Clergy Search Survey

Dear Congregant:

Welcome to the Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley Clergy Search Survey. As we embark on the process of selecting a new spiritual leader for the JCSVV, we are asking for your input. This anonymous survey will help the Rabbinic Search Committee better understand your priorities and the critical qualities and skills it should be looking for in a new rabbi to succeed Rabbi Magal when she transitions to Rabbi Emeritus in July 2027. In addition, it will help rabbinic candidates know that we appreciate the uniqueness of the JCSVV and what might be expected of them.

A spiritual leader’s role is a composite of many tasks and responsibilities, yet often some responsibilities predominate over others, either because of the rabbi’s qualities and skills or the wants and needs of the congregation. Take a minute to think about your own situation — your age, personal and spiritual needs, attendance at services, degree of synagogue involvement, etc. — and carefully study the following responsibilities.

Please rate each responsibility that follows as to its level of importance TO YOU. 

Each member of a Family, or Associate membership if applicable, is asked to submit their own survey opinions. 

Please submit by Friday, July 24, 2026. 

Sincerely,
JCSVV Clergy Search Committee:
Marty Glinsky, Chair
Joe Berger
Patti Eyres
Jenny Hirst
Sheila Jackman
Sybil Malinowski Melody 
Milt Small

Community Leader: Active in the Jewish, Interfaith, and secular communities.
Rate each as to its level of importance to you.
Educator: Dynamic teacher who conveys scholarly knowledge of Jewish texts, history and philosophy in meaningful ways.
Rate each as to its level of importance to you.
Fundraiser: Willing to cultivate donors and help with fundraising.
Rate as to its level of importance to you.
Counselor: Provides solace, empathetic counseling, and support to congregants at difficult lifecycle events. Visits the sick and homebound.
Rate as to its level of importance to you.
Service Leader: Leads uplifting and meaningful services that engage congregants who have differing levels of ritual understanding and Hebrew reading fluency. Delivers thought-provoking sermons that inspire a deeper relationship to Judaism.
Rate as to its level of importance to you.
Music: Incorporates music into the service.
Rate as to its level of importance to you.
Saturday Service: Provides a periodic Saturday morning Shabbat service in addition to Friday nights.
Rate as to its level of importance to you.
Social Activist: Leads the congregation in tikkun olam and combating anti-Semitism.
Rate as to its level of importance to you.
Supporter of Israel: Fosters a deep connection to Israel, while promoting an understanding of the complex realities that exist in Israel and the Middle East, while respecting of the viewpoints of others.
Rate as to its level of importance to you.
Team Player: Promotes trust and partners with the Board of Trustees, Synagogue staff, and others.
Unifier: Warm, accessible, and approachable to all, regardless of their faith, level of observance, race, sexual orientation, financial means, or political viewpoint. Engages with congregants to get to know them personally and takes an interest in their lives.
Rate as to its level of importance to you.
Mediator: Assists congregants in resolving conflicts.
Rate as to its level of importance to you.
Visionary: Works with the Board of Directors and others to help create a strategic vision for the synagogue, bringing innovative ideas that energize the congregation and encourage it to evolve.
Rate as to its level of importance to you.
Part-time vs Full-time: Contracted to provide full-time rather than part-time clergy responsibilities.
Rate as to its level of importance to you.
What is your JCSVV membership status?
What is your age?