Rabbi Rachel Rubenstein

Bio

Rabbi Rachel Rubenstein is originally from Northbrook, IL where she attended Congregation Beth Shalom, Solomon Schechter Day School, and Chicagoland Jewish High School. She earned her BA in International Studies at Washington University in St. Louis, spending a semester abroad in Rabat, Morocco, and summers studying in Paris and the Republic of Georgia. When she wasn’t serving coffee as a barista at a local coffee shop or teaching Hebrew at Central Reform Congregation, Rabbi Rachel spent much of her time at Hillel–baking challah with Challah for Hunger, organizing Shabbat dinners, and planning services. Rabbi Rachel began her rabbinic studies at the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies in Los Angeles, before transferring and completing her studies at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City where she earned a Master’s in Jewish Education. While in rabbinical school, Rabbi Rachel served in diverse rabbinic roles including in synagogues, day schools, Jewish non-profits, and hospitals. Prior to joining Temple of Aaron, Rabbi Rachel served as the Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Greater Orange County. In addition to her work overseeing the programming and operations of the Jewish Federation, Rachel directed the Zachor Anti-Semitism Initiative, an innovative program of the Federation working to root out anti-Semitism in Orange County through education, community building, and security. Rabbi Rachel is a Mandel Executive Leadership Program Fellow and a 2021 Hadar Jewish Wisdom Fellow. Rabbi Rachel Rubenstein is excited to serve as Rabbi of Temple of Aaron alongside her husband, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein. She is eager to meet the members of Temple of Aaron and to help each member find their place in our community.