Idyllwild’s Temple Har Shalom is pleased to announce the appointment of Malka Drucker as its new rabbi.

Rabbi Malka, as she asks her congregants to call her, returned to Idyllwild from Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she is the founding rabbi and rabbi emerita of HaMakom: “The Place for Passionate and Progressive Judaism.”

“What I hope to bring to Har Shalom is an experience of joy, which the Talmud tells us is the highest wisdom,” Rabbi Malka said. “The fledgling Har Shalom community has been growing for the past two years, and I’m grateful to be chosen as the full-time rabbi.”

She continued, “We welcome visitors with holy curiosity all to services and mind-opening Shabbat morning study sessions.” Rabbi Malka added, “It is exciting to have the opportunity to enjoy my home in Idyllwild, which I’ve owned for many years, and to share my experience with the people of this quaint village in the mountains.” Rabbi Malka lives just down the street from St. Hugh’s Episcopal Church, where services are held.

In addition to her work as a rabbi, spiritual director, and saging mentor, she is the author of 21 books for children and adults.

Temple President Pat Schnetzer said, “We, the board of directors and congregants, are fortunate to benefit from Rabbi Malka’s years of experience as a spiritual leader. She has known our community for many years, and her arrival now as a full-timer is a perfect fit for all of us.”

She is now a licensed minister with Centers for Spiritual Living.