Rabbi Ita Paskind has been named the next spiritual leader of Congregation Beth El in Norwalk, it was announced last week by the synagogue’s Board of Trustees.

A graduate of the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York, Paskind is currently assistant rabbi of Congregation Olam Tikvah in Fairfax, Va. She will assume her new position on July 1.

Paskind was selected for the position after an extensive search process that began last fall, following Rabbi Ron Fish’s announcement that he would step down from the pulpit this summer, after nearly 14 years as spiritual leader.

In a letter to congregants from Beth El President Keith Satter, Search Committee Chair Riva Silverman noted that Paskind’s “deep passion for being a teacher and spiritual leader on and off the bimah, her ability to connect with people of all ages, her strong community-building skills, her creativity in developing and running a wide range of programs, her compassion and support for people going through difficult times, and her commitment to a living Judaism that is meaningful in the 21st century will all serve us extremely well over the coming months and years.”

“While we want to enjoy the remaining time with Rabbi Fish, we are excited about the prospect of our next rabbi,” Satter told the congregation. ”It will give us a chance to re-envision all of our work at Beth El, how we serve our members, attract prospects and build an even stronger community.”