I’m Rabbi Rafi Spitzer, spiritual leader of Congregation Agudat Achim in Schenectady, NY. My work centers on building community rooted in Jewish tradition, intellectual honesty, and radical hospitality. I guide people through life’s big moments—joyous and painful alike—while also teaching, leading prayer, offering pastoral support, and fostering thoughtful conversation about how ancient wisdom speaks to our modern lives. My areas of knowledge include Torah study, Jewish ritual, pastoral care, ethics, interfaith collaboration, and community leadership. I’m committed to making Judaism accessible, meaningful, and inclusive—for people who grew up in synagogue, for those who didn’t, and for anyone willing to wrestle with the questions. When I’m not officiating, teaching, or writing, you might find me cooking, gardening, reading fantasy novels, or playing board games. (Yes, I take winning very seriously, but I promise I’m nice about it.) If you’re looking for a rabbi who will show up, tell it like it is, and help you find meaning and connection in Jewish life—even (or especially) when it’s complicated—I’d be honored to meet you. I’m deeply committed to creating a welcoming environment where everyone can feel they belong. Whether you're a lifelong member, new to Judaism, interfaith, questioning, or just curious, I believe there’s a place for you here. My goal is to meet people where they are, listen with compassion, and help each person discover meaningful connection, community, and purpose within Jewish life. I’m especially committed to making sure our community is genuinely welcoming to LGBTQ+ individuals and families. This isn’t just lip service: I believe that queer and trans Jews deserve full inclusion in every aspect of Jewish life, from leadership and ritual to family events and pastoral care. My door—and our synagogue’s door—is open to you, exactly as you are. Our community has joyfully celebrated name changes, gender transitions, and queer Bnei Mitzvah. We use inclusive Hebrew when calling people for aliyot, and our ritual garb is explicitly marked as being for people of all genders. We believe that honoring people’s identities is sacred work, and we’re proud to make that real in our communal life.