In 2002 the Session voted to invite Rabbi Rob Lennick to be FPC's first Rabbi in Residence.  At the time Rob was serving as the President and CEO of Religion in American Life, a position he had taken after serving as Rabbi of the Greenwich Reform Synagogue.  Rob's commitment to interfaith dialogue resonated with our congregation's heritage in interfaith relationships.  Rob relocated to Jupiter, Florida in 2003.  The "position" remained unfilled until our Co-Pastors Mary and David met Rabbi Phil Schechter through the Stamford Clergy Association.  Phil relocated to Stamford from New Jersey and subsequently retired.  Phil's wife, Liz Rolle, is also a Rabbi and serves at a synagogue in nearby Norwalk.  Phil, who has been with us since 2009, is a gifted teacher and possesses a warm and inviting spirit.

The vision of the Rabbi in Residence program is:

1.     To deepen our faith as we more deeply understand and claim Christianity’s Jewish roots;

2.     To facilitate an ongoing opportunity for interfaith dialogue both within and beyond our own congregation;

3.     To be a witness to the wider Stamford religious and secular communities of our commitment to exploring our faith together, celebrating our commonalities, and respecting our differences;

4.     To be a faith community with and for our Rabbi in Residence. 

The Rabbi in Residence, on a flexible time-as-available basis, will:

1.     Teach;

2.     Participate in worship;

3.     Be available as a resource person for special events/projects/committees;

4.     Interact with FPC’s children and youth.