October 28, 2005/Tishri 25 5766, Volume 58, No. 5
Jewish News of Greater Phoenix

Rabbi Jessica Zimmerman of Congregation Beth Israel has been selected for Synagogue 3000, a national Jewish leadership network.

The goal of this network, developed by Rabbi Lawrence Hoffman of Hebrew Union College and Dr. Ron Wolfson of University of Judaism, is to offer richer engagement in religious communities, according to a press release.

Zimmerman, one of 18 people selected for this multidenominational network, started as Beth Israel’s assistant rabbi in August 2004.

The objective of Synagogue 3000 is to encourage Jews to recommit to Jewish tradition and synagogue life by blending traditional teachings with theater, music, dance, exuberant singing, yoga, meditation, community activism and other creative methods to engage individuals in spiritual pursuits and active community life.

“I’m very excited about the opportunity to exchange ideas with some of the most creative Jewish leaders of our time,” Zimmerman said.

“The rabbis, cantors, educators and artists who have been chosen to participate are re-envisioning Judaism in meaningful, outside-the-box ways … and helping to build a living Judaism for the generations to come.”