NEWTOWN – Rabbi Barukh Schectman has been named the new spiritual leader of Congregation Adath Israel of Newtown.

In addition to his spiritual responsibilities, Rabbi Schectman, who has already assumed his new post, will provide counseling support to congregants and oversee the shul’s educational programs.

”As a small congregation, we are thrilled that Rabbi Schectman, with his impressive track record, can offer us the high caliber of spiritual and educational services that we have been searching for over the past year. Our congregation looks forward to his leadership,” said Bob Rubinstein, president of the Conservative congregation, in announcing the rabbi’s appointment.

Prior to joining Adath Israel, Schectman was spiritual leader of Congregation Tephereth Israel in New Britain as well as a substitute and remedial Hebrew teacher at Solomon Schechter Day School of Greater Hartford, located in West Hartford. He also previously served as rabbi of Congregation Beth Ahm in Windsor, where he was principal of the synagogue’s religious school. From 1998 to 2013, he served as full-time Jewish chaplain for the Connecticut Department of Corrections.

Rabbi Schectman attended the Jewish Theological Seminary of America where he was ordained. He is married and the father of a son and daughter.