Shalom, Rabbi Julie

Chico’s Congregation Beth Israel will soon say goodbye to Rabbi Julie Danan, who will assume leadership of Pleasantville Community Synagogue in Westchester, N.Y., on Aug. 1.

“We’re so excited for her,” said Beth Israel administrator Karen Carter by phone this week. “She gets to go back East, where her grandkids are.”

Danan (pictured) has led the local congregation since 2003. She’s served as president of the Chico Area Interfaith Council and spearheaded the Celebration of Abraham, which brought together Jews, Muslims and Christians.

Beth Israel will employ an interim rabbi while searching for a permanent replacement for Danan. “We’ll have an interim rabbi to help us with solidifying who we are and where we want to go,” Carter said.

A farewell party will be held at the temple July 27. RSVPs are required.