Conversations with Rabbi Karen Kriger Bogard and Rabbi Daniel Bogard are full of words like “amazing, caring, fortunate, warmly, welcoming” and others of similar sentiment. The energy between them is easy to sense as they describe their work, their aspirations, their marriage and son, Gavriel, and their personal interests. Rabbi Karen says, “Both of us are really excited to be here to work with this Jewish congregation. Everyone is very caring and we feel very fortunate to be here.”

The two rabbis, whom their congregation refers to as Rabbi Karen and Rabbi Daniel, were installed last month as spiritual leaders for Peoria’s oldest Jewish congregation, Anshai Emeth.  The Jewish synagogue in the Reform movement, which is the largest Jewish denomination in the United States, is located at 5614 N. University in Peoria.  Established in 1859, Anshai Emeth is “a vibrant congregation of caring people that welcomes newcomers.”

“We’ve been given this amazing congregation,” says Rabbi Daniel gratefully. “We’ve always wanted to work together.” They met during their first year of rabbinical school in Jerusalem. The remaining four years of school were in Cincinnati. The couple married in December 2008. While they don’t say they are high-energy people, it is worth noting that they were ordained, moved here, and had a baby within eight days.

Originally from Memphis, Rabbi Karen, 27, served three years as a part-time student rabbi at Congregation Anshai Emeth beginning in September 2008. Rabbi Daniel, 28, grew up in St. Louis, served as a student rabbi in Michigan, and then worked two years at a large synagogue in Ohio. “Ever since I was a boy, I wanted to be a rabbi,” he says. “I love the job and the things I get to do.”

While they are looking forward to serving their congregation together, they are also forthcoming about some of their individual differences. She is more modern; he is more traditional. “We can appeal to more people because of that,” they say.  Rabbi Karen has an extensive background in teaching Jewish studies to children and adults. Rabbi Daniel is an accomplished musician and singer. He plays the guitar, mandolin, bass and harmonica. They also want to rewrite some of the Temple’s services. “We want to make the services more relevant, interesting, and include a lot more music,” says Rabbi Karen.

It has been 12 years since the congregation has employed a full-time rabbi. They most recently had an ordained part-time rabbi. It is also the first time this community has had an ordained woman rabbi. Rabbi Karen says that with both of them involved in the congregation, “we can make an impact here. We can have one on one time with our congregants.” Rabbi Daniel adds, “We are warm, welcoming and egalitarian.”

They both emphasize that they want people to come and visit and learn. “Try us out,” says Rabbi Karen. “We’d love to have people come and experience this congregation.” They plan to offer classes to introduce adults to the study of Judaism. The two rabbis are appreciative of the response they’ve received from their congregation and from people in the community. “We’ve been warmly welcomed by religious ministers and leaders.”

In addition to their positions at Congregation Anshai Emeth, Rabbi Karen will teach at the Peoria Hebrew Day School and participate on the school’s board of directors. Rabbi Daniel will work on improving the congregation’s website and increase the Temple’s online presence. He also is the director of Hillel, the Jewish student organization at Bradley University and he teaches two classes in Religious Studies at Bradley. The couple is also involved in the Jewish Federation with its cultural and philanthropic communal activities.

Rabbi Karen says, “We find meaning in carrying on traditions of Judaism.” While she and her husband keep kosher, she says the majority of the congregation does not. “We promote education. Try the traditions on for size. If you find meaning in them, do them. Make an informed choice.”

Rabbi Daniel explains that their congregation is very much aware and involved in social justice. “Welcoming strangers is a big part. We want to get to know both Jewish and non-Jewish people in the community and increase their understanding of the wonderful things offered at Congregation Anshai Emeth.”

Anshai Emeth means “people of truth,” a people seeking truth through Jewish learning and tradition. Anshai Emeth is one of the oldest, continuously operating Reform congregations in the United States. The congregation offers an extensive education curriculum for Jewish adults and children of all ages. It also offers regular religious services throughout the year with programs designed to meet the diverse spiritual, educational and social needs of its members.

Additional information is available on the website at www.anshaiemeth.org

Weekly introductory classes on the study of Judaism will begin on Tuesday, October 25th at 7:00 p.m. The public is welcome and encouraged to come and learn. To register, please call the Temple office at 309.691.3323.

Congregation Anshai Emeth and Congregation Agudas Achim share the same facility at 5614 N. University in Peoria. Congregation Agudas Achim is celebrating their 125th anniversary this year. They are a traditional orthodox Jewish Congregation.