Historic Alexandria congregation continues 167-year legacy of vibrant Jewish life with appointment of accomplished rabbi as new spiritual leader
ALEXANDRIA, VA – Following a congregational vote on Sunday, January 25, 2026, Beth El Hebrew Congregation is honored to announce that Rabbi Rachel Saphire will begin her tenure as Rabbi on July 1, 2026, bringing warmth, vision, and relational leadership to Northern Virginia’s oldest active Jewish congregation.
Founded in 1859 by approximately forty Jewish families, Beth El has been a cornerstone of Jewish life in the Washington metropolitan area for more than a century and a half. As the first Reform Jewish congregation in the Washington area, Beth El has witnessed and adapted to the evolving needs of the Jewish community while maintaining its commitment to meaningful worship, learning, and social action.
Rabbi Saphire brings 17 years of distinguished rabbinical experience to Beth El. Since her ordination from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) in June 2009, she has served as Associate Rabbi at Temple Beth Elohim (TBE) in Wellesley, Massachusetts, where she became known as a builder of meaningful Jewish community across generations.
During her tenure at TBE, Rabbi Saphire created a thriving Families with Young Children program, reimagined the B’Mitzvah journey, and launched a vibrant community for young adults. She strengthened Israel engagement initiatives and transformed family and youth worship experiences. Her leadership in organizing social justice and interfaith initiatives helped these programs become national models of engagement and impact.
A native of Springfield, Ohio, Rabbi Saphire earned her undergraduate degree magna cum laude from Miami University in 2004, majoring in Family Studies and Social Work. Her commitment to community enhancement was evident even then, as she received the Nicky S. Spivak Award for Community Enhancement for her leadership in campus Jewish life. At HUC-JIR, she was recognized with the Robert L. Adler Prize for outstanding contribution to the community and the Israel Bettan Memorial Prize for the most imaginative and creative pulpit presentation.
“We are thrilled to welcome a leader who understands the importance of honoring tradition while embracing innovation, and who will help us strengthen our vision of One Beth El – a congregation for all,” said Carly Rubenstein, Beth El Hebrew Congregation’s President. “Rabbi Saphire’s approach to Jewish life and community-building aligns beautifully with Beth El’s values and our historic commitment to providing a warm, welcoming environment for all.”
Beth El Hebrew Congregation has been a community where people come together to celebrate, learn, and grow. The congregation continues to serve as a vibrant center for Reform Jewish life in Alexandria and the greater Washington area, offering diverse programming for members of all ages and backgrounds.
About Beth El Hebrew Congregation
Established in 1859, Beth El Hebrew Congregation is one of the oldest Jewish congregations in the Northern Virginia region. Beth El is a warm, inclusive Reform Jewish community in Alexandria, Virginia, where Jewish values come to life every day. We are a sacred Jewish community for all who seek connection, meaning, and healing. The congregation is located at 3830 Seminary Road in Alexandria, Virginia.
Contact:
Liz Bayer, Executive Director
Beth El Hebrew Congregation
(703) 370-9400
3830 Seminary Road
Alexandria, VA 22304