Just received this announcement from West Seattle’s Kol HaNeshamah synagogue:

Kol HaNeshamah, a progressive synagogue community in West Seattle, is pleased to announce that Rabbi Anson Laytner has assumed the position of Interim Rabbi. Rabbi Laytner will lead his first service in his new role on Friday, July 3, 2009 at 7 pm at 6115 SW Hinds Street in West Seattle.

Rabbi Laytner will serve as Interim Rabbi while Kol HaNeshamah seeks to fill the permanent position recently vacated by Rabbi Michael Adam Latz. Rabbi Latz, who moved back to his hometown of Minneapolis to be near his family and to lead a synagogue there, is the founding Rabbi of Kol HaNeshamah. The synagogue was founded six years ago, bringing to life his vision of bringing a progressive synagogue to West Seattle whose values center on community and inclusiveness.

The role of Interim Rabbi is different from that of a permanent Rabbi. The role of the Interim is to support a congregation to keep a steady course–to advise and quietly guide during the transition between two permanent Rabbis. “We are thrilled that Rabbi Laytner is willing to guide us during this transitional year”, says Board President Eric Orlin.

Rabbi Laytner brings to Kol HaNeshamah an exceptional depth of wisdom as a scholar, a theologian and an experienced professional. He founded the Interfaith Council of Washington State in 1988. He directed the Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle for a decade and served as the Executive Director of Multifaith Works for 12 years. Most recently, he directed the Seattle Chapter of the American Jewish Committee. He is an adjunct professor at Seattle University in the School of Theology and Ministry.

Kol HaNeshamah, founded in 2003, is a progressive synagogue rejoicing in Torah, Avodah (Worship/Prayer), Tzedek and Tikkun Olam (Justice and Healing) but specializing in K’hillah (Community). We attract members from all around Seattle who believe a synagogue is a place to experience the joys of Judaism. We deeply believe in inclusiveness. For more information, please go to www.kol-haneshamah.org