Rabbi, Age 30, To Be Installed as Spiritual Leader

is getting a new spiritual leader: Rabbi Yerachmiel Shapiro, 30.

The congregation will hold a banquet celebrating his installation at 5-9:30 p.m. Nov. 20 at the congregation, 7000 Rockland Hills Drive in Pikesville.

Speakers will include Rabbi Avi Weiss, Dr. Arell Shapiro (Rabbi Shapiro's mother) and Dr. Helene Shapiro (Rabbi Shapiro’s wife). Catering by Alan Weiss will provide dinner.

The cost is $89 per person ($40 of the ticket price is tax deductible) and RSVPs are required by calling the synagogue at 410-653-SHUL.

Shapiro, a Chicago native, began serving the congregation in June 2010, after the synagogue searched for two years to replace Rabbi Elan Adler, who made Aliyah to Israel.  

Rabbi Shapiro “was perfect for us, as we shared views on Modern Orthodoxy, and he shared with Rabbi Adler the same warmth and a similar personality," the congregation's membership committee Co-Chair Sheila Seiden said in a statement.

Shapiro received his ordination from Yeshivat Chovevei Torah Rabbinical School, where he studied under Weiss.

Since he arrived at the congregation, membership has increased more than 33 percent to 330 families with more than 515 individuals, not including children.

He is one of the only rabbis serving on both the Baltimore Board of Rabbis and the Vaad Harabanim of Baltimore. “I hope to be a future bridge between the spiritual leaders of our Jewish community,” he said.

The congregation was first chartered in 1887 as Anshe Amunah and has evolved through mergers with Liberty Jewish Center, Aitz Chaim Congregation and Moses Montefiore Woodmoor Congregation.

For more information, call 410-653-SHUL or visit the congregation website.