Damien Timms was named the new executive director of Congregation Beth Torah, serving the synagogue since February.
Timms previously held positions at The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah from 2017 to 2021 as the rabbinic administrative assistant. Timms also co-founded and co-chaired the local LGBTQ+ Jewish community group Ga’avah with Brad Ordo.
Timms left Kansas in August of 2021, moving to Richmond, Virginia, to be the executive director of the conservative congregation Temple Beth El. He was interested when he saw the Beth Torah job posting back in Kansas, though.
“When I saw the advertisement for Beth Torah, it really was a ‘come to Moshe’ moment for me,” Timms said. “My memories of the collaborative work that B’nai Jehudah and Beth Torah did during my previous time here were always a source of fond memories. I have always found the staff at Beth Torah warm and eager to collaborate.”
Timms and his husband, Patrick, visited Beth Torah as part of the recruitment process, and it was his husband who told him to get the job.
“When we left after the erev Shabbat service,” Timms said, “my husband, Patrick, started poking me in the shoulder telling me to get the job because those people were amazingly warm and welcoming.”
“Damien’s interest in returning to Overland Park, his experience and that he was already familiar with our community made this a very easy decision,” Congregation President Larry Myer said. “He wasted little time settling in and taking charge.”
Timms said the culture of Beth Torah was the main draw of the position. He is delighted by the fact that Beth Torah’s size ensures that every congregant receives personal attention and access to all the staff and leadership.
He describes it as the very necessary type of community that is attractive to those who wish to fully enjoy a close-knit and engaging synagogue experience.
Director of Music Lezlie Zucker said the staff is pleased with the board’s choice of executive director.
“Damien’s positive, can-do attitude is contagious,” she said. “He truly cares about the people here — both staff and members. I think we got really lucky.”
Timms takes the reins of the business, financial, human resources and facilities needs of Beth Torah. He is excited to work with the “cozy living room” of the greater Kansas City Jewish community.
“We are so lucky to have the breadth of shul communities that we have here,” Timms said. “Beth Torah occupies a necessary and special niche in the community, and I am confident it will do so for a long time to come.”