Rabbi Rachel Axelrad (Interim Associate Rabbi)
Rachel has over 20 years of experience as a Shaliach Tzibur and rabbi in multiple service formats. She was ordained at the Academy for Jewish Religion, California, a pluralistic seminary, where she was exposed to multiple perspectives on Judaism. She focuses on providing a dynamic and spiritual service for the congregation, wherever they are at. Rabbi Axelrad enjoys group singing and is particularly competent in leading a service with songs and chanting, welcoming the congregants to participate. She excels in engaging the congregation in stimulating dialog, especially with adults who are interested in learning and engaging in discussion. Rather than subscribing to a single movement’s perspective or interpretation of Torah, she emphasizes diversity in understanding the text. In her Torah study sessions, she encourages participants to engage with different commentaries and perspectives, from Rashi, Onkelos, and Stone to Plaut and Eskenazy or Friedman and Alter. She works with the group to analyze the different biases and perspectives in the commentaries and to find meaning and spirituality in the text in their current lives. Rabbi Axelrad’s work experience incorporates multiple aspects of the Rabbinate, from leading services for groups of various age demographics, Torah services, Pastoral Care, and life cycle events. She teaches classes and leads group discussions on various topics, such as introduction to Judaism, Torah study, and Pirkei Avot.
Rabbi Keneth Emert (Interim Associate Rabbi)
Rabbi Dr. Kenneth A. Emert brings an extensive educational background to his rabbinate. After receiving his undergraduate degree in Hebrew Language and Literature from Queens College, Flushing, New York, Rabbi Emert earned a Master of Arts degree in Hebrew literature from Hebrew Union College where he was also ordained in 1977. In 1982, Rabbi Emert received a Master of Social Work from Yeshiva University and in 1991 earned a Doctor of Ministry degree in Jewish-Christian Studies from the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary. Having led congregations in Smithtown, New York, Rockford, Illinois and Wichita, Kansas, Rabbi Emert has been the senior rabbi at Beth Rishon in Wyckoff, NJ for the past 22 years. He is a Senior Rabbinic Fellow of the Hartman Institute in Jerusalem. In addition to his spiritual leadership, Rabbi Emert has also lectured and taught courses at universities and colleges, led Jewish educational workshops and served as religious school principal. He has served as president of the Wyckoff Clergy Association and continues to be interested in interfaith dialogue. Rabbi Emert is a member of both the Central Conference of American Rabbis (Reform), and The Rabbinical Assembly (Conservative), and has received honorary doctorates from both the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, and from The Jewish Theological Seminary of America.
Rabbi Suzanne Singer (Interim Associate Rabbi)
Rabbi Suzanne Singer attended Hebrew Union College and served Temple Beth El in Riverside, CA for 15 years. She now serves Congregation Havurim in Temecula and teaches introduction to Judaism for the Union for Reform Judaism. As the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, sh is aware of the need to make our world a better place. She served as a member of the Reform movement’s Commission on Social Action, as President of Pacific Area Reform Rabbis