33 American Rabbis Who Are Redefining What It Means To Be A Jewish Spiritual Leader

America's 33 Most Inspiring Rabbis
Rabbi Wayne Franklin of Temple Emanu-El in Providence, R.I., blows the Shofar, a Jewish tradition to call the community to assemble, as faith leaders met Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2015 at the Statehouse in Providence to call for legislation to fight poverty. The faith leaders gather annually on the first full working day of the General Assembly, and on her first full day in office, Gov. Gina Raimondo repeated to them a promise she made in her inaugural speech to work to create middle-class, family-supporting jobs. (AP Photo/Jennifer McDermott)
Rabbi Wayne Franklin of Temple Emanu-El in Providence, R.I., blows the Shofar, a Jewish tradition to call the community to assemble, as faith leaders met Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2015 at the Statehouse in Providence to call for legislation to fight poverty. The faith leaders gather annually on the first full working day of the General Assembly, and on her first full day in office, Gov. Gina Raimondo repeated to them a promise she made in her inaugural speech to work to create middle-class, family-supporting jobs. (AP Photo/Jennifer McDermott)

These stories of inspiring rabbis could not come at a better time. In the few short months since the dawn of 2015, the Jewish world has been stunned by terror, torn apart by partisan bickering, confronted with resurgent anti-Semitism in some communities and a seeping apathy in others.

Read these stories, and that troubling present melts in the face of genuine spiritual leadership and grace. Thanks to hundreds of nominations by our readers, we’ve identified 33 of the most inspiring men and women from North America who are defining and redefining what it means to be a rabbi in the 21st century.

Before You Go

Hechal Yehuda Synagogue

50 Stunning Synagogues

Popular in the Community

Close

What's Hot