Northbrook Synagogue Installs First Female Clergy Member

Rabbi Jacki Honig joins Congregation Beth Shalom's clergy team after serving in roles at other synagogues.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Congregation Beth Shalom in Northbrook, Illinois has announced the installation of Rabbi Jacki Honig as its first female clergy member. Honig joined the synagogue's clergy team in July 2025 and will be formally installed on March 14, 2026. She is a graduate of the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies and has previously served as a rabbinic intern and social justice project manager at other synagogues.

Why it matters

Honig's installation marks a significant milestone for Congregation Beth Shalom, as she becomes the synagogue's first female clergy member. This represents progress in the representation of women in religious leadership roles, which has historically been male-dominated in many faiths.

The details

Rabbi Jacki Honig joined Congregation Beth Shalom's clergy team on July 1, 2025 after completing her studies at the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies. Prior to this, she served as a rabbinic intern at Temple Beth Am in Los Angeles and as the Social Justice Project Manager at the Rabbinical Assembly. Since arriving at Congregation Beth Shalom, Honig has contributed to various synagogue programs and committees, and has been praised by Rabbi David Chapman for bringing "joy, wisdom, and insight" to her rabbinic work.

  • Rabbi Jacki Honig joined Congregation Beth Shalom's clergy team on July 1, 2025.
  • Honig's installation ceremony is scheduled for March 14, 2026.

The players

Rabbi Jacki Honig

The first female clergy member at Congregation Beth Shalom, who joined the synagogue's clergy team in July 2025 after completing her studies at the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies.

Congregation Beth Shalom

A synagogue in Northbrook, Illinois that is installing Rabbi Jacki Honig as its first female clergy member.

Rabbi David Chapman

A rabbi at Congregation Beth Shalom who has praised Rabbi Honig for bringing "joy, wisdom, and insight" to her rabbinic work.

Sue Lampert

The president of Congregation Beth Shalom.

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What they’re saying

“Rabbi Honig is deeply committed to nurturing Jewish spiritual connection, strengthening bonds with Israel, and inspiring individuals of all ages to discover joy and purpose in Jewish living.”

— Sue Lampert, President of Congregation Beth Shalom (Patch.com)

“Rabbi Honig brings joy, wisdom, and insight to her rabbinic work, whether teaching adults, offering pastoral care, or engaging with teens and children.”

— Rabbi David Chapman (Patch.com)

“My installation feels like an opportunity to celebrate all that has already taken place since I began last summer and to dream about what the future holds.”

— Rabbi Jacki Honig (Patch.com)

What’s next

The installation ceremony for Rabbi Jacki Honig will take place at Congregation Beth Shalom on March 14, 2026.

The takeaway

Rabbi Jacki Honig's installation as the first female clergy member at Congregation Beth Shalom represents progress in the representation of women in religious leadership roles, which has historically been male-dominated in many faiths. Her arrival at the synagogue is seen as an opportunity to celebrate the past and look towards the future.