Newtown Congregation Announces Appointment Of New Senior Rabbi

NEWTOWN, PA — The Board of Directors at Shir Ami, the heart of Reform Judaism in Bucks County, has unanimously approved the appointment of Rabbi Jordana Chernow-Reader as the congregation’s next senior rabbi, effective July 1, pending congregational approval.

The congregation will come together on March 18 for a special meeting, where members of the congregation will have the opportunity to meet Rabbi Chernow-Reader, formally vote on her appointment, and celebrate this next chapter together.

Rabbi Chernow-Reader comes to Shir Ami from Indianapolis, where she was the Associate Rabbi of the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation, an 800-member Reform congregation. As the Associate Rabbi, she provided spiritual leadership through Shabbat, Festival, and High Holy Day worship.

Rabbi Chernow-Reader also created innovative, relationship-centered experiences that engaged people of all ages. Prior to her work in Indianapolis, she served as a Rabbi Educator at synagogues in Beachwood, Ohio, and Ventura, California.

Tikkun olam (repairing the world) is central to Rabbi Chernow-Reader’s identity as a Jew and as a rabbi. Her work is based on pastoral care, fostering lay leadership and strengthening community through small-group and congregational initiatives.

Rabbi Chernow-Reader was ordained at Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion, located in Cincinnati, Ohio in 2010, where she also earned a Master’s degree in Jewish Education in 2011. She holds a Bachelor of Arts, with honors, in political science from Pitzer College, located in Claremont, California, and a Master of Science in political science from the University of Edinburgh, where she was a Rotary International Scholar.

"This year marks our 50th anniversary which is both a celebration of our past and a launchpad for our future,” said Marc Luber, president, Shir Ami Board of Directors. “Our board and congregation are really excited to partner with Rabbi Jordana as we pursue the next chapter for Shir Ami.”

“Throughout the search process, Rabbi Jordana impressed us not only with her experience and vision, but with who she is as a person,” said Michael Smolen, co-chair of the Rabbinical Search Committee. “She listens carefully, brings warmth into a room, and speaks about Jewish life in a way that feels grounded and accessible.”

Sharon Benoff, co-chair of the Rabbinical Search Committee, added, “We approached this search with a deep sense of responsibility. The process was thorough and deeply informed by congregational feedback. When the time came to make a decision, the committee was unified.”