B’nai Israel Congregation, a conservative Jewish synagogue in Wilmington, will welcome a new rabbi at the beginning of July. Julie Kozlow will succeed longtime rabbi Robert Waxman who is retiring, the congregation’s news release stated.

Kozlow comes to B’nai Israel from Congregation Beth Israel in Greenville, South Carolina, and will be not only B’nai Israel’s first female rabbi, but the “first woman to serve as a Jewish spiritual leader in the southeastern section of the state,” according to the release.

Kozlow was called to B’nai Israel “after an extensive search process,” the release stated.

Ordained in 2007 at the Academy for Jewish Religion in Los Angeles, Kozlow holds a Bachelor of Arts in Judaic Studies and two Master of Arts degrees in Rabbinics.
 
“In addition to experience as a pulpit rabbi for congregations in California, New Orleans and Mexico City, she is also an experienced teacher with a real passion for youth education, and holds a Certificate in Clinical Pastoral Education,” the release stated.
 
Although Kozlow will start her pastoral duties July 1, the celebration of her formal installation will not take place until the weekend of Aug. 21.