For the first time in nearly 40 years, Congregation Ner Tamid formally introduced a new senior rabbi on Friday.

Though she’s been on the job since Rabbi Sanford Akselrad retired in June, Jessica Hutchings, 40, was officially introduced to the Henderson congregation, the largest Reform Judaism synagogue in Nevada, to much song, fanfare and celebration during a two-hour installation Shabbat on Friday night.

The congregation’s cantor for over a decade , Hutchings said after the service that the “responsibility of caring” for her spiritual community is something that’s not lost on her.

“It’s a big task and I want to make sure I’m there for every person,” said Rabbi-Cantor Hutchings. “I don’t think a lot about my age, but maybe as I age and sage, it will seem less daunting. Right now, it’s p

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