The Israelitische Kultusgemeinde Wien (IKG Vienna) has appointed a new Chief Rabbi. On 17 June, the Community Board selected Rabbi Yaron Nisenholz, MA as the designated Chief Rabbi of Israelitische Kultusgemeinde Wien (IKG Vienna). Following the High Holidays in autumn, he is expected to formally assume office. He will also serve as rabbi of the Wiener Stadttempel.
Rabbi Yaron Nisenholz is an experienced communal rabbi with many years of service in Israel and across Europe. He was ordained in 2002 by the Chief Rabbinate of Israel and was later qualified as a city rabbi in 2023. Between 2002 and 2015, he served in Basel, becoming Chief Rabbi of the city in 2008. Since returning to Israel, he has served as a community rabbi in Tel Aviv. He is married, the father of five children, and a grandfather of eight.
The appointment follows a several-month international selection process. In February 2026, the Community Board established a rabbinical search commission composed of delegates from all factions represented on the board, as well as representatives of the temple board. Advisory input was provided by Chief Cantor Shmuel Barzilai, General Secretary Benjamin Nägele, and Chief Rabbi Jaron Engelmayer.
The commission drafted an international call for applications, which resulted in seven candidates applying. Within the community, this level of interest is seen as a reflection of Vienna’s significance in the Jewish world, with multiple rabbis seeking to lead one of Europe’s most historic unified communities.
After reviewing the applications, the commission created a shortlist and conducted formal hearings. Two final candidates were recommended to the Community Board. Both were serving in active rabbinical roles at the time. The decisive meeting of the Community Board was held behind closed doors, during which each candidate delivered a trial sermon and answered questions from board members.
The IKG emphasised that confidentiality was maintained to respect the professional positions of the candidates. It also stressed that the process was democratically grounded, with all factions represented both in the selection commission and the Community Board, alongside involvement from the Stadttempel’s governing body.
Until Rabbi Nisenholz takes up his post, Chief Rabbi Jaron Engelmayer will remain in office, continuing his duties in full and overseeing the transition period. The community has also expressed appreciation for his ongoing service in Vienna.
