Rabbi Davidson to Leave Temple Beth El

Rabbi Joshua Davidson is stepping down from Chappaqua's Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester, effective July 1, the temple announced. He is leaving to take over as senior rabbi at Congregation Emanu-El in New York City.

“While we are saddened by the departure of a rabbi we have come to know and treasure, we will take great pride in knowing that one of our own will be ascending to one of the preeminent pulpits of American Judaism," said Harry Cohen, the temple's president, in a statement.

Davidson has been a rabbi at Temple Beth El for about 11 years. During that time, he presided over a major addition to the building, which was dedicated in November 2011 and was the host for an interfaith Thanksgiving dinner that year. The expansion came with a new nursery school facility, the temple noted in a look back.

Temple Beth El is also receiving new clergy, welcoming Rabbi Maura Linzer and Cantor Star Trompeter, who will join on July 1. Additionally, Alan Fuchs, who gave a 1-year stint as an interim rabbi at the temple from 2001-02, will return for another year-long period in a temporary role. Fuchs is now a rabbi emeritus at Phiadelphia's Congregation Rodeph Shalom. Temple Beth El will also continued to be served by Geoffrey Mitelman, its associate rabbi.