Rabbi Renee Edelman
Rabbi

Rabbi Renee Edelman became the Rabbi of Temple Sha'arey Shalom on July 1, 2015 and feels blessed to call this warm, welcoming, spirited community, home. Born in Massachusetts, Rabbi Renee credits the synagogue of her youth, and parents, dedicated to living a Jewish life for her love for Judaism. She graduated from Brandeis University with a major in English literature and a minor in Hebrew literature. Her love for the written word led to further study in Journalism while teaching 7th grade at almost every Reform synagogue in the Boston area. Realizing that one could write, teach and live one's passion, Rabbi Edelman attended both the Jerusalem and the New York City campuses of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR). In 1997, Rabbi Renee was ordained as a Rabbi and served as the Associate Rabbi of Temple Emanu-El of Westfield for many years. She continued to serve congregations in Port Washington, NY, Bloomfield, NJ and as an interim Reconstruction Rabbi in Montclair, NJ.

Passionate about social action, education, spiritual living, youth engagement and creating new modes of prayer, Rabbi Edelman brings her unique ideas to our programming, classes and community involvement.

As the Rabbi of Temple Sha'arey Shalom, Renee Edelman believes that her role is to create a communal atmosphere that acknowledges the Tzelem Eloheim (image of God) inherent in every individual and to help each of us build meaningful connections to God, living Jewish tradition and to each other.

Rabbi Renee is able to reach people where they are and connect those of every age and stage of life to Judaism. She is open, caring and believes in creating relationships with each and every soul she encounters. Her openness has allowed her to establish long friendships and connections with former congregants.

For many years, she left the congregational Rabbinate to stay home with her three children as a full time Mommy. Rabbi Renee has served on both sides of the parenting spectrum: as a full time working mother and as a full time mother.

When not at the synagogue, Rabbi Edelman can be found with her husband Shane and their three children Bailey, Jackson and Sophie, doing Yoga, running, dancing, playing tennis and trying to cook.

You can reach Rabbi Renee at 973-379-5387 or RabbiRenee@shaarey.org . Her door is always open!!!