Shalom! I'm David
I am a community builder. I believe, when we engage, connect, and build relationships with one another, the power of our community, our experiences and our tradition infuse every aspect of our lives, impacting our congregation and the world around us. As a Jew, I want to belong to a community in which this is true. As a Rabbi, I want to help create such an intentional, committed, value driven, joyful, vibrant, living Jewish community.
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Originally from the Chicago area, I am currently in my third year as a Rabbi at Temple Israel of the City of New York. I have loved my time in this wonderful community, and, as I look to my next opportunity, I am excited for all that the future holds.
PORTFOLIO
WORK EXPERIENCE
2019-2022
TEMPLE ISRAEL OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK
Manhattan, NY
Assistant Rabbi
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Collaborated as key member of Clergy, Senior Staff, Programing, and Lifelong Learning teams
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Crafted services and delivered stories and sermons during Shabbat worship and the High Holy Days
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Cultivated meaningful relationships with families and young children at Early Childhood Center (ECC) and Tot Shabbat
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Created and taught curricula for 6-12th including Holocaust, Israel, Social Justice, Social/Emotional Learning
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Illuminated holy texts in weekly Torah Study, fostering discussion to glean wisdom for today
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Coordinated engagement opportunities for Young Professionals from concerts to Shabbat dinners
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Implemented Israel Programing, partnering w/ ARZA, IsraAID, Israel Policy Forum, and AIPAC
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Oversaw Social Justice initiatives including drives, events, anti-racism work, and refugee relief task force
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Supported temple Men’s Group, planning quarterly events around holidays and whisky tastings
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Officiated at lifecycle events – baby namings, funerals, b’nai mitzvah, graduation, and conversion
2016-2019
THE VALLEY TEMPLE
Cincinnati, OH
Rabbinic Fellow and Intern
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Congregational duties and relationship with Senior Rabbi similar to a part-time Assistant Rabbi
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Planned and led Shabbat, High Holiday and festival services, including delivering sermons
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Taught Torah study and adult education classes (e.g. basic Judaism, death education, philosophy)
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Provided pastoral counseling and performed life cycle events for congregants
Middle School Program Coordinator
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Created curriculum for 7-8th grade Religious School class on God, Mitzvot and Comp. Religions
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Wrote and taught lessons plans and retreat programs, utilizing relationship-based learning
Youth Group Advisor
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Facilitated leadership development and built positive, mentor-based relationships with teens
2017-2019
JEWISH HOSPITAL, UC WEST CHESTER, EVERGREEN RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
Cincinnati, OH
Clinical Pastoral Education
Student Chaplain (HUC-JIR)
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Two Units (600 Clinical Hours)
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Provided spiritual care to patients and families in times of health, illness, recovery, and crisis
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Engaged residents (independent, assisted, and memory care) in Jewish life and worship experiences
2008-2018
URJ - GOLDMAN UNION CAMP INSTITUTE
Zionsville, IN
Director of Jewish Education
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Collaborated with regional rabbis to design Jewish educational curricula (two sessions)
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Responsible for the summer’s educational (informal and integrated) vision and Jewish content
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Planned daily Shiurim with unit staff and created all-camp educational and Israel experiences
Avodah (work/study program) Unit Head
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Developed and implemented the work/study program for high school seniors
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Organized and supervised daily work, activities, programs and free time for participants
Anaf Unit Head
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Oversaw entire camp experience and program (educational and recreational) for 150 campers, ages 14-15
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Trained and supervised unit counselors to ensure fun, safe, Jewish summer for campers and staff
Counselor and Sports Specialist
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Arranged, planned and led three-day camping trip and daily preparatory program for age group
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Created and oversaw daily Sports Program for the entire camp
2017-2018
B'NAI B'RITH YOUTH ORGANIZATION
Cincinnati, OH
Volunteer Youth Group Advisor
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Supported chapter board and acted as positive Jewish role model for local Jewish high schoolers
2016-2017
TEMPLE SHALOM
Wheeling, WV
Student Rabbi - Bi-Weekly Pulpit
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Planned and led services, facilitated holiday celebrations, and taught Torah study
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Engaged in regular pastoral care and religious counseling with congregants
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Tutored b’nai mitzvah students and taught Religious and Hebrew school
2015-2016
ADATH ISRAEL CONGREGATION
Cincinnati, OH
Rabbinic Fellow and Religious School Teacher
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Adapted lesson plans and taught the 7th Grade Religious and Hebrew school curricula
2015-2016
TEMPLE ISRAEL
Paducah, KY
Student Rabbi - Tri-Weekly Pulpit
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Led services, taught Torah study, and provided pastoral care for the congregation
2013-2014
CONGREGATION SOLEL
Highland Park, IL
Religious and Hebrew School Teacher
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​Planned and instituted a yearlong curriculum for 4th Grade students incorporating Judaica and Hebrew
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Revived the congregation’s youth group program beginning with Grades 3 through 5
2010-2013
TEMPLE SHIR SHALOM
West Bloomfield, MI
Informal Education Staff
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Worked as Substitute Teacher and Weekend Retreat Specialist
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Engaged in Jewish learning and experiences with 3rd through 8th graders
LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
2021-In Progress
CCAR RABBI AS SUPERVISOR CERTIFICATE
w/ Larry Dressler, Blue Wing Consulting
Participant
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Four module (6-hours each) intensive on self-management and supervision skills in the rabbinate
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Module 1:​ Self-Management (completed)
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Module 2: Supportive Supervision (Jan. 2022)
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Module 3: Supervisor as Multiplier (Mar. 2022)
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Module 4: Corrective Supervision (TBD)
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SUMMER 2021
RELIGIOUS ACTION CENTER
DEI Working Group Facilitator Training
Participant
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Completed four session training on how to create and facilitate working groups to evaluate and improve congregational diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work
2015-2019
RABBINICAL STUDENT ASSEMBLY
(HUC-JIR, Cincinnati)
President (2018-2019)
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Represented and advocated for the Cincinnati student body
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Worked with deans to improve communication, promote mutual trust and create a positive campus culture
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Led RSA Board in planning and implementing annual calendar and addressing student issues
Rabbinical School Executive Committee - Student Representative (2018-2019)
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Served on committee with faculty, directors, and deans discussing matters pertinent to the Rabbinical School
VP of Social and Community Affairs (2017-18)
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Facilitated conversations regarding student culture for Rabbinical students and larger community
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Organized social events including game nights, class lunches and holiday celebrations
Student Representative on the Curriculum Integration Committee
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Acted as a liaison between the committee and the Cincinnati student body
2017-2019
J STREET
Rabbinical Cabinet - Student Member
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Utilized the provided educational resources and participated in Cabinet conference calls
2017-2019
AMERICAN ISRAEL PUBLIC AFFAIRS COUNCIL
Leffell Israel Fellowship for Rabbinical Students
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Attended Annual Conventions and participated in Fellowship Mission to Israel
SUMMER 2018
PRIZMA AND HUC-JIR w/ TEMPLE BETH AM
(Miami, FL)
Reform Jewish Day School Externship
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Learned from and with TBAM’s day school leadership, teaching parshat hashavua and Jewish stories
SPRING 2018
INTER-DENOMINATIONAL
RABBINICAL STUDENT RETREAT
HUC-JIR Representative and Participant
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Met and established relationships with rabbinical students from various denominations
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Discussed challenges and opportunities facing synagogues and the broader Jewish world today
SPRING 2015
FORMER SOVIET UNION PESACH PROJECT
Participant - Lithuania and Belarus
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Helped spiritually impoverished Jewish communities in Belarus celebrate Passover
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Planned and led Jewish programming and Passover Seders for all ages
2009-2012
PI LAMBDA PHI FRATERNITY
Michigan Epsilon Chapter
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Philanthropy Chair (Fall Semester 2010-Winter Semester 2012)
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New Member Educator, Brotherhood Chair, Housing Chair, Eta Pledge Class President (2009-2012)
2009-2010
GREEK COMMUNITY -
THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
President - Junior Interfraternity Council ('10)
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Refocused the purpose and function of the Junior Interfraternity Council
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Created and implemented a weekly and yearly agenda and led weekly meetings, discussions, and votes
Greek Week Representative (2010)
Junior Interfraternity Council Delegate (2009)
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Wrote and edited legislation for approval by the Interfraternity Council
EDUCATION
HUC-JIR (Cincinnati)
Master's Degree / Ordination
2014-2019
Rabbinic Ordination June 2019
M.A. in Hebrew Letters awarded June 2018
THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
Bachelor's Degree
2008-2012
B.S. in Anthropology with a focus in Biology and Evolution
HEBREW UNIVERSITY OF JERUSALEM - ROTHBERG INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Study Abroad
Fall 2011
Senior Semester Study Abroad
SKILLS
Bibliodrama
Story Telling
Hebrew Through Movement
Public Speaking
Pastoral / Spiritual Care
Empathetic Listening
Problem Solving
Hybrid Teaching
Team Building
Facing History & Ourselves
Balloon Animals
Juggling
INTERESTS
Sports
Movies
Board/Card Games
Good Conversation
Reading
Music
Puzzles/Brainteasers
Physics
Animals
Theater/Improv
Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Anthropology