New rabbi appointed for Shaarei Tefillah

Shaarei Tefillah is getting a new rabbi for the holidays.

Rabbi Rafi Lipner has been appointed senior rabbi at Shaarei Tefillah synagogue on Bathurst Street.

The synagogue first hired Lipner, 38, as associate rabbi in 2009, with an eye to attracting younger people to the congregation. According to a statement issued by Shaarei Tefillah, over 200 people attended his first High Holiday service then and the number has grown ever since.

Lipner is also founder and executive director of The House, a learning and community center for young Jewish people.

“My vision has always been to create a comfortable destination for families and individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds who share a common desire for Jewish inspiration,” Lipner said in a statement from the synagogue on June 26. “It’s important to recognize that nurturing and enhancing a love for Judaism is a lifelong task — one in which I’m so proud to participate in with both The House and Shaarei Tefillah.”

Rabbi Lipner will take over the position from Rabbi Moshe Stern starting in August, before Rosh Hashanah services begin. Stern has been senior rabbi for more than 30 years.