OUR RABBI

Rabbi Uri Goldstein

The members of our Shul officially welcomed our new spiritual leader and teacher, Rabbi Uri Goldstein, his wife, Julie, and their three children on Shabbat, September 2nd, 2006.  .

Rabbi Goldstein was previously the assistant rabbi at the Park East Synagogue, one of New York City’s major Orthodox congregations.  During his years at Park East, he earned a reputation as a master speaker and teacher and a compassionate spiritual counselor to congregants of all ages.  He developed and implemented social and family programming aimed at fostering a sense of community among the synagogue’s singles, young couples and families.

Prior to joining Park East Synagogue, Rabbi Goldstein founded the Jewish Learning Initiative at the University of California, Los Angeles.  In addition to serving as the Orthodox rabbi on campus, Rabbi Goldstein created an environment welcome to all Jews with creative Shabbat and holiday programs, distinguished speakers, and the many classes he taught on Judaic subjects.  He began his career as the rabbinic intern at the Princeton University Center for Jewish Life and as an instructor at the Fifth Avenue Synagogue in New York.

In the words of our president, Arnold Spier: “Rabbi Goldstein was chosen from among a large number of applicants.  We were impressed by his combination of knowledge and warmth.  During his interview and his trial Shabbat with us, he had already begun to have an impact on our members.”

The Goldstein name is already well known in Bergen County.  Julie Goldstein, the congregation’s new Rebbetzin, is a former teacher at Maayanot Yeshiva High School for Girls in Teaneck.