Rabbi Brian Leiken formally installed as Senior Rabbi at Congregation Beth Israel. Courtesy: Oliver Bernstein

By Oliver Bernstein

Congregation Beth Israel shook with excitement November 14-15 as hundreds of community members poured in for the installation weekend of CBI’s new Senior Rabbi, Brian Leiken. From the moment the doors opened, things felt less like a formal ceremony and more like a joyful family reunion complete with music, laughter, and the feeling that something fresh and hopeful was taking root.

Rabbi Leiken encouraged CBI to treat the weekend as a celebration of everyone who makes the community what it is. The result was a two-day gathering that managed to be both spiritually meaningful and unmistakably fun, a true reflection of the warmth and energy he has already brought to Austin.

This milestone weekend came against a somber backdrop, as the synagogue recently marked four years since an arson attack on Halloween night 2021. The congregation continues to grow, rebuild, and reimagine its future – and Rabbi Leiken’s leadership is helping guide that renewal.

Over 300 people came out Friday night for a special service that included a guest sermon by Rabbi Leiken’s rabbinic school classmate Rabbi Jeffrey Weill of Skokie, Illinois. Composer and violinist Coleen Dieker performed, including one of the liveliest versions of Lecha Dodi congregants could remember.

“As a community, we have been through a great deal of change, heartbreak, and transformation over the past few years,” said CBI Board Member Melissa Scheinfeld, who chaired the rabbinc transition committee. “We have come together many times in small and large groups to envision what our future looks like after overcoming challenge. On the occasion of the special Shabbat of Rabbi Leiken’s installation, we celebrate in full force to mark the turning of this new leaf.”

CBI past president Beber Helburn surprised the rabbi with a gift card for a pair of cowboy boots and a hat, on behalf of the past presidents, saying it’s all he needed to complete his Texas outfit.

Special guests Friday evening included Travis County Judge Andy Brown, who read a proclamation, and Shalom Austin CEO Daniel A. Septimus – also a rabbinic school classmate of Rabbi Leiken’s. Mayor Kirk Watson sent along a proclamation designating November 14, 2025 as Rabbi Brian Leiken Day.

On Saturday evening, Dieker performed outside against a backdrop of live oak trees, while over 200 community members danced, enjoyed street tacos and margaritas and celebrated with friends and family. After the Havdalah service, a bluegrass band played for hours.

Rabbi Leiken said how much he has enjoyed his first few months in Austin (other than the heat). As he related, people have told him over and over that “a synagogue matters because it is the place where we show up for one another. It’s where we teach our children what it means to belong. It’s where we find meaning in a world that too often feels fragmented.”

Congregation Beth Israel invites anyone in the community to come visit and meet the new rabbi. Find upcoming service schedules at bethisrael.org.

Oliver Bernstein is a member of Congregation Beth Israel.