The United Jewish Center is delighted to welcome Rabbi Clifford E. Librach as its energetic, innovative and dynamic spiritual leader. His definition of Reform Judaism as "an attitude rather than a rigid theology" encourages all of us to explore and deepen our commitment to Judaism and the Jewish people. He is a healer, a leader and a well-respected thinker. He has been scholarly and challenging from the pulpit and playful, supportive and engaging with our children. He has skills and talents beyond his impressive resume: for example, as a master auctioneer whose enthusiasm and antics raised some $16,000 for us in one evening.
In November, 1998, Rabbi Librach was honored by The Forward, the national Jewish weekly, which named him one of America's fifty most influential and dynamic leaders and thinkers. He was the only Reform pulpit rabbi to be so honored.
Rabbi Librach came to the UJC from Temple Sinai of Sharon, MA. As spiritual leader there for eleven years, Rabbi Librach demonstrated dramatic leadership and great versatility. Their new $6 million home was financed and built on the strength of his tireless effort and clearly articulated vision. His provocative Saturday morning Torah study discussions with adults were often followed by joyous singing and warm, meaningful Shabbat Morning services.
This is the kind of Rabbi who is not afraid to take a strong stand on a difficult issue in a Friday night sermon, but also the kind of mensch who delights children and adults at Purim, Chanukah, and Simchat Torah.
Prior to his tenure at Temple Sinai, Rabbi Librach was rabbi at Moses Montefiore Congregation in Bloomington, IL. During his six years there, he also compiled an extraordinary record of religious and community leadership.
Rabbi Librach was born and raised in St. Louis, MO. He holds a Bachelor's degree (cum laude) in Philosophy and American Studies from Georgetown University and a Juris Doctor degree from New York University, where he was Associate Editor of The Law Review and Research Assistant to Dean Norman Redlich. His rabbinic ordination is from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati where he was the student of the late revered scholars Rabbis Chanan Brichto and Jakob J. Petuchowski. His rabbinic thesis, "Judaism Beyond Autonomy: A Philosophy of Halakha for Liberal Jews" was completed under Petuchowski's tutelage.
Before Rabbi Librach's ordination, he served as Law Clerk to Chief Justice Robert E. Seiler of the Supreme Court of Missouri and was a litigator with two distinguished law firms, Husch & Eppenberger in St. Louis and Taft, Stettinius & Hollister in Cincinnati. Rabbi Librach is the author of numerous articles and reviews in the fields of Judaism, Reform Judaism, prayer and rabbinics, published in such journals as Sh'ma, the CCAR Journal, First Things and Commentary.
Rabbi Librach is involved in synagogue activities on all levels. His rabbinic knowledge and expertise bring a new measure of spirituality and confident leadership. His enthusiasm and passion for Judaism are contagious, as are his decency and caring.
Rabbi Librach and his wife, Miriam, and their children, Giliah and Max are delighted to call the UJC of Danbury their new home. And the UJC is proud to call him Moreinu haRav, our teacher, our leader, our Rabbi.