Colleyville rabbi who led escape from hostage situation will leave to lead N.C. synagogue
The Colleyville rabbi who was held hostage alongside three congregants in mid January for nearly 11 hours will be relocating to a synagogue in North Carolina in July, he announced on Facebook.
“It is truly an honor to share that starting July 1st, I will become the next rabbi at Temple Emanuel in Winston-Salem, N.C.,” Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker wrote. “I have already been blessed by their thoughtful hospitality and I am excited to join their congregational family. My family and I already feel embraced. I’m looking forward to forming deep relationships through service to this vibrant, compassionate congregation.”
Cytron-Walker announced last fall that he would not continue as leader of Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville after its board voted to recommend not renewing his contract. He was expected to leave in June after serving the North Texas synagogue for nearly two decades.
“My sixteen years at CBI Colleyville will always be remembered with love. I love the people. I love the congregation. I love the community. And I am planning on making the most of the time I have with CBI,” Cytron-Walker said in his social media post. “I don’t say this with mixed emotions. My emotions are honest and straightforward. I feel nothing but affection for CBI and its leadership. I’m proud that I will always be their first full-time rabbi and I have great optimism about their future!”
In late February, a report in Jewish newspaper Forward said members at Temple Emanuel, a North Carolina Reform synagogue, were voting for their leadership replacement and were optimistic about Cytron-Walker.
“I am also feeling great anticipation and enthusiasm for our move to North Carolina,” Cytron-Walker said. “Temple Emanuel, I can’t wait to see what we can do together! In all things, I am grateful and blessed.”
This story was originally published March 9, 2022 at 10:11 AM.
