"Bashert" is a Yiddish expression some Jews use when life fits together.

For Anne Persin, coming to the North Tahoe Hebrew Congregation as its new rabbi was "bashert" for her and the congregation.

"We were smitten with her immediately," said synagogue board president Judy Friedman about Persin's first phone interview.

Persin said she felt the same.

"It was very clear to me from the first interview that this is where I needed to be," Persin said.

Persin began her tenure as rabbi Aug. 15 and said the experience so far has been fabulous.

"I am really impressed at how open this congregation is to different tunes and concepts and innovation," Persin said.

Congregants also say they are pleased with Persin's attitude and knowledge.

"Her sermons are engaging and intelligent," said synagogue vice president Ed Gurowitz. "She is wonderful with the children and very engaged with them."

From an early age, Persin said she knew she wanted to be involved in the Jewish community. But it wasn't until her junior year of college at Hebrew University in Israel that the idea of becoming a rabbi presented itself.

By the end of her senior year at the University of Colorado in Boulder, the thought wouldn't leave. One January day she said she woke up and knew that she wanted to be a rabbi.

"I started really seeing the possibilities of leadership and begin part of the community in a interesting way," Persin said.

Searching for a new rabbi was an extensive process, Friedman said. And while the committee interview about 20 applicants over the phone, Persin stood out. By the time she made her first visit to Tahoe City, the congregation was very interested.

"She set the standard for those to follow," Friedman said. "We were impressed with her from the get-go."

Persin did her rabbinical studies at the Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion. During her time there she served congregations in Billings, Mont., Clarkesdale, Miss. and Warsaw, Poland. She also served in Littleton, Colo., during the Columbine school shootings.

Persin is also the second female rabbi in the Reno-Tahoe area.

"Women have different leadership styles and different ways of creating relationships," Persin said. "I find it be very balancing."

Shabbat services at the North Tahoe Hebrew Congregation take place every Friday night. For more information, call (530) 546-0895, or visit www.tahoetemple.org.