I grew up in the LA area and made aliyah in 1975, where I lived until 2010. I was ordained at the JTS affiliate, Schechter Institute, in 1993. Since the mid-1990's I have been an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, first in Israel, then in Sweden, where I served as rabbi of the Stockholm Jewish community and continuing here in the US since my return here in 2015. From 1994 I served as chaplain to the Israel AIDS Task Force and in 1997, assisted in the founding of the Jerusalem Open House and helped organize the first Gay Pride parade in that city. While leading congregations in Israel, Sweden and in Palm Springs I have worked to successfully to widen the definition of Jewish marriage, and created new forms of LGBTQ inclusive liturgy and bible study. I have officiated at LGBTQ+ weddings (both traditional and innovative ceremonies) since 2000. I now serve as Rabbi and director of Or Hamidbar, an open and affirming congregation in Palm Springs, CA that I founded in 2019.
I am married to Sascha for 44 years, we have together 5 daughters and 9 grandchildren.
National Office - Boston
1860 Washington St.
Newton, MA 02466
Phone: 617.524.9227
New York / Bay Area / Chicago / Florida / Texas
