Temple Emanuel News

Letter from Rabbi Black

Dear Temple Emanuel Community,  

I’m writing to share the news that I’ve made the decision to retire as your Senior Rabbi, effective July 1, 2025, and I will join Rabbi Foster as Rabbi Emeritus of our congregation. This decision was mine and mine alone. The timing is right. I will be 66 years old when I retire, and after a long and fulfilling career in the pulpit, Sue and I are looking forward to beginning the next chapter of our lives with our children and grandson.  

We have come a long way over the past 14 years. I am proud of the holy work that we have been able to accomplish together, and I look forward to this final year of partnership, growth, service, and excitement as we conclude the celebration of our 150th anniversary and look to the future.  

Sue and I will be staying in Denver, and we look forward to continuing and deepening our relationships with so many of you. I also look forward to continuing to share my music, writing, and teaching. 

There will be a lot more to share in the days, weeks, and months to come. Thank you for your support, understanding and love.  

L’Shalom,  
Rabbi Joseph R. Black

Letter from Wendy Nekritz, Board President

Dear Temple Emanuel Community,

As you now know, after many years of dedicated service, Rabbi Black has announced his retirement, effective July 1, 2025. We are immensely grateful for Rabbi Black's leadership, wisdom, and tireless commitment to our community. Over his 14 years as our Senior Rabbi, he has guided us through moments of joy, challenge, and growth.

As we prepare for this transition, I am delighted to announce that the Board of Trustees has unanimously voted to appoint Cantor Elizabeth Sacks and Rabbi Emily Hyatt as Co-Senior Rabbis upon Rabbi Black’s retirement. They will share the pulpit as equal partners, bringing their unique talents and perspectives to guide our congregation forward.

Cantor Sacks is currently pursuing rabbinic ordination. She and Rabbi Hyatt will join together in creating a unique, dynamic, and ground-breaking partnership as Co-Senior Rabbis of this congregation. Rabbi Hyatt will join Cantor Sacks and Steve Stark as a Co-CEO, cementing our commitment to shared leadership, and forming a vibrant and visionary professional team. We are confident that this pioneering and collaborative approach will strengthen our community and ensure continuity as we navigate the next chapter for our congregation.

We will be holding two townhall meetings: May 23 at 12:00pm (register here) and May 28 at 7:30pm (register here). We look forward to sharing our vision for the future and addressing questions.  In addition, Rabbi Black, Cantor Sacks, Rabbi Hyatt, and Steve Brodsky will all be on the bimah on May 17, May 24, and May 31 and look forward to celebrating Shabbat together with you.

Please join me in congratulating Rabbi Hyatt and Cantor Sacks on their new roles, and in expressing our deepest gratitude to Rabbi Black for his years of service and dedication to our community. 

L’Shalom,
Wendy Nekritz
President, Board of Trustees
president@emanueldenver.org

Letter from Cantor Sacks & Rabbi Hyatt

Dear Temple Emanuel Denver Community,

We are deeply honored to be named Co-Senior Rabbis of this extraordinary community. What a joy it has been to collaborate with Temple President Wendy Nekritz and the entire Temple Emanuel Board of Trustees on this important transition.

We are proud to share this journey with our exceptional partner Executive Director and Co-CEO Steve Stark and we are grateful for the mentorship of Rabbi Black and Rabbi Foster as we prepare to enter this new chapter. We feel blessed to lead this tremendous professional team, and especially appreciate the partnership of our clergy team colleague Steve Brodsky, who brings deep institutional wisdom to this moment.

We can’t wait to share our vision with you and look forward to connecting with you individually and collectively as we build our future together.

Sincerely,
Cantor Elizabeth Sacks and Rabbi Emily Hyatt