Temple Emanuel has announced that its board of trustees unanimously approved a 15-year contract extension for Senior Rabbi Elizabeth Hersh. The new term will run through June 30, 2031. Congregation leaders said additional details of the employment contract are not being disclosed.

Prior to her tenure at Temple Emanuel, Hersh served as chaplain for Jewish Family & Children’s Service in St. Louis. She had previously served as rabbi, director of Hebrew and religious school, and director of education at temples in Sydney and Perth, Australia. Prior to her service in Australia, Hersh served as rabbi at United Hebrew Congregation in St. Louis for 10 years.

“Under Rabbi Hersh’s leadership, Temple Emanuel is growing and thriving – and this is not something we take for granted,” said Temple Emanuel President Mike Szymkowicz. “It took us a long time to find her, and this new contract will ensure that Rabbi Hersh and her family remain part of our family for many years to come.”

“I am honored and thrilled to have signed this long-term contract with Temple Emanuel,” said Rabbi Elizabeth Hersh. “TE is a house of worship for all people, where every soul feels the warm embrace of a nurturing family. We have a rich heritage and a promising, vibrant future; our congregation is a sacred community, and it is my great privilege to know that we will walk along the pathway of life together.”

Hersh was ordained by Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion, and she holds a master of arts degree in Hebrew Letters.