The board at Temple B’nai Torah has unanimously voted to offer the job of permanent senior rabbi to Rabbi David Alan Lipper, who has been serving as the interim clergy.

The move is unusual as the organization that governs reforms synagogues and rabbi selection, (Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR), strictly forbids offering the permanent job to an interim rabbi. Temple B’nai Torah applied for a waiver based on an search over 24 months and 60 applicant interviews, countless conversations via telephone and Skype and personal visits by four finalists.

“Now that the CCAR has approved the petition for an exception to the interim rule, let me express my profound gratitude to all of you for your faith in me,” Lipper said. “TBT is an amazing community and I am honored to be considered as the third senior rabbi to serve the community.”

The offer is pending approval by a full vote of the membership.