Congregation Beth Yam’s Rabbi Brad Bloom to retire

Jewish communities are preparing for the upcoming High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. While the Jewish new year marks a new beginning for each congregant, this year’s services at Congregation Beth Yam will also mark a new beginning for Rabbi Bloom. Effective at the end of June 2026, Rabbi Bloom will be retiring as religious leader and will assume the mantle of Rabbi Emeritus. As we prepare for this solemn period of personal renewal and reflection, what better time to also recall and reflect upon Rabbi Bloom’s accomplishments and contributions to his congregants and to the greater community.

“I have always viewed my role as Rabbi to help people embrace their Jewish identity, connect them to whatever Jewish life they seek, and have them feel welcome and comfortable in our synagogue—regardless of their level of personal observance or faith.” said Bloom.

During this conversation, Rabbi Bloom expressed his love of teaching and learning. “We must continue to pass our knowledge, history, culture and values from generation to generation,” emphasizing the need for continued religious education for our youth and adults.

He talked about the personal connections formed presiding over life-cycle events, providing comfort and support during times of need, visiting and reaching out to those unable to attend services, or just being available daily to engage with the congregants. Among his most heart-warming achievements was his development of programming enabling adults, who never had the opportunities as a child, to become a Bar / Bat Mitzvah.

Rabbi Bloom is especially proud of his community outreach efforts. Hilton Head Mayor Alan Perry said that “Rabbi Bloom has been a tremendous asset to the island community, recognized for his warmth, humor and leadership in bringing people together. His ability to communicate and build bridges connecting people has been invaluable with groups of differing perspectives.”

He was among the first of area clergy to bring people of different faiths and race together to worship and learn from one another. For 15 years, his messages were conveyed to the community as a featured and respected columnist. Debbie Urato, a founding member of Congregation Beth Yam said “Rabbi Bloom made the presence of Judaism understood in the community. Our presence as a local Jewish community on the Island was due to his diligence and commitment.”

These sentiments were also shared by Hilton Head Town Manager, Marc Orlando: “One of Rabbi Bloom’s lasting legacies will be his ability to bring people together, not only in times of celebration, but also in moments of challenge—always with grace, wisdom, and a call for us to support one another. Rabbi Bloom has been a tireless advocate for unity, compassion, kindness and understanding throughout his years of service. His efforts to promote interfaith dialogue and civic engagement have made Hilton Head Island a kinder and more connected place. His work with the Clergy Council, the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, and as Chaplain of the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office reflects his deep commitment to serving others.”

In 2022, Rabbi Bloom in partnership with other local civic organizations and religious leaders, and with support from the Town of Hilton Head, organized a music festival benefitting and supporting relief and humanitarian efforts being provided to the citizens of Ukraine. This event held at Festival Park raised $77,500 for food and medical supplies, facilitated through the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry.

Rabbi Bloom may be retiring from daily leadership responsibilities, but as Rabbi Emeritus we all look forward to his mentorship and guidance. Serving as a resource for the new spiritual leader and the congregation, his past service and contributions will provide a source of continuity and connection to all our communities.

Scott Selkowitz is the Communications Chair and Board Member of Congregation Beth Yam, Hilton Head Island, communications@bethyam.org