Rabbi Andrea Cosnowsky wants everyone to know they are welcome at Congregation Etz Chaim in Lombard.

“We see ourselves as a spiritual home for Jews and non-Jews alike,” she said. “We’re hoping to really be a place for people to meet, not just religiously, but secularly, and to become a community center in the Western suburbs for all kinds of gatherings.”

This weekend is a perfect time to learn more about the congregation, during celebrations for Cosnowky’s formal installation as new senior rabbi.

Cosnowsky will be installed during Shabbat evening services that begin at 8:15 p.m. Friday at the synagogue, 1710 S. Highland Ave.

On Saturday, anyone is welcome to attend either a Shabbaton scholar study session or a young family gathering with a magic show, art projects and snacks from 4 to 6 p.m. at the synagogue. A potluck dinner will be served at 6 p.m.

Cosnowsky said she was called by God to become a rabbi around age 28 while working as a professional songwriter in Nashville. She sold her house, enrolled in rabbinical college and was sent to Jerusalem for her first year of study.

“It wasn’t really the idea for my life,” she said with a laugh, adding that she tried to make a deal with God that if she could continue having a successful life as a songwriter she would become a rabbi at 40. “This was not my plan.”

However, she followed the call, and a year after being ordained joined Congregation Etz Chaim as an assistant rabbi. Since then, she has worked to strengthen the congregation’s presence in the community and taken part in activities led by the Glen Ellyn Religious Leaders group — experience that she hopes will be beneficial in her new role, which she started July 1.

“It feels very organic because I know the people and I know the congregation,” she said, adding that she feels honored that she was selected for the position following a lengthy search process for the new senior rabbi. “It feels great to be able to serve in an even larger capacity.”

One of Cosnowsky’s main goals is to increase membership, which has remained steady over the past 20 to 30 years. She realizes that’s a lofty goal, as membership continues to decline in places of worship of almost all religions, but she has some ideas to make it happen.

Already, Cosnowsky is pushing for the reopening of a temple preschool, which closed around seven years ago. She said feasibility studies are still underway, but she hopes to make it happen in the next year, as that would help draw in young families.

In addition, she said, Congregation Etz Chaim is one of the few in the country that has a professional inclusion specialist who works to accommodate kids with special needs who visit the synagogue. She hopes the congregation will continue to give disabled and hearing-impaired visitors of all ages better accessibility and more ways to participate.

“Ultimately I’d like to see us have our doors open to serve the needs of this demographic that has been largely underserved,” she said.

The congregation also offers an accredited religious school and programming for empty nesters and seniors. Efforts are ongoing to attract more young parents and professionals as well, through events that appeal to those groups, such as a kayaking outing this summer.

Cosnowsky replaces Rabbi Steven Bob, who held the position of senior rabbi for more than 35 years.

Robert Honig, religious schoolteacher and co-vice president, said Cosnowsky is personable, energetic and hands-on with her leadership.

“We were a congregation that was pointed in a very good direction before, and I think we’re still pointed in that direction,” he said. “We’re excited for the future. Our congregation grew up with Rabbi Bob, and going from one strong leader to the next strong leader is, I think, emblematic for the congregation.”

A new assistant rabbi, Frederick Kamil, will be installed Jan. 6.