Our People
Our Rabbi
Julie Hilton Danan
Rabbi Julie Hilton Danan joined our congregation in August 2003. She and her family moved from San Antonio, Texas; for the past 13 years Rabbi Danan was the spiritual leader of Congregation Beth Am, a Reconstructionist Congregation, in San Antonio. For over two decades, Rabbi Danan was a major contributor to community service, Jewish education, and interfaith and multicultural associations in South Texas and with national organizations. We look forward to joining with her in these endeavors in Chico.
Rabbi Danan was ordained in July 2000 through the ALEPH Alliance for Jewish Renewal; she has worked extensively with Jews of all denominations. In addition to her experience as a congregational leader and her broad familiarity with major branches of Judaism, Rabbi Danan is fluent in written and conversational Hebrew. She is an accomplished scholar of Judaica as well. She did undergraduate study in Jewish Studies at Bar-Ilan University in Israel, and received her degree from Tel Aviv University. She is currently a doctoral candidate in Hebrew Studies at the University of Texas at Austin. She is the author of The Jewish Parents' Almanac.
November 2004--Rabbi Danan Selected for STAR PEER Program
Rabbinic leadership in the 21st century requires individuals that can articulate a compelling vision of spiritual purpose while leading a complex nonprofit organization. Synagogues: Transformation and Renewal (STAR) has stepped up to the challenge of preparing rabbis for their multifaceted role with its unique professional development program: Professional Education for Excellence in Rabbis (PEER). This is the only program of its kind to combine practical knowledge with ongoing mentoring, and to build a bridge between the spiritual and secular components of rabbinic training. The program is open through a competitive application process to congregational rabbis of any denomination who are two to five years past their ordination.
Rabbi Danan was one of 17 rabbis around the country to be selected for participation in this year’s PEER program. The program helps participants acquire essential management skills, identify their personal criteria for a successful rabbinate, and develop a roadmap toward creating a vibrant community. The first PEER event is a retreat in Miami, November 7 through 10.
Rabbi's Publications
Executive Board
| President | David Halimi |
| Vice President-Internal Affairs | Andrea Lerner |
| Vice President-External Affairs | Sheri Trimboli |
| Secretary | Sue Cottrell |
| Treasurer | Stan Gottleib |
| Past President | Bob Cottrell |
Committee Chairs
| Building and Grounds | Michael Mulcahy |
| Communications | Renee Everett |
| Fundraising | Irv Schiffman |
| Libraray | Harriet Spiegel |
| Membership | David Green |
| Religious/Ritual | Helene Ginsberg |
| Religious School | Lisa Rappaport |
| Social Action | available |
| Social & Cultural | Maureen Knowlton |
| Sunshine | Loretta Steinke |
| Sisterhood | Bev Paull |
