Rabbi James Greene
Rabbi
James first connected with Judaism and Jewish education while growing up
at Jewish summer camps in the Mid-west. Through working as a youth
advisor and youth group director in college and rabbinical school, he
came to deeply value what Judaism has to offer people of all ages.
Heavily influenced by Kaplan’s idea of Jewish education, James envisions
an educational model where each educational experience is seen through
the core spiritual values which are present within that activity. Although he began his undergraduate
studies as a concert saxophonist at the Kansas City Conservatory of
Music, Rabbi James soon realized that music was not his path. After a
semester abroad studying at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, he
transferred to Florida Atlantic University and eventually graduated with
a degree in Holocaust and Judaic Studies. He then attended the
Reconstructionist Rabbinical College (RRC) and graduated in June, 2008. During his time at RRC, Rabbi James worked as
the Youth Director and Rabbinic Intern at Beth David Reform Congregation
in Gladwyne, PA, and served as Student Rabbi of Congregation Beth
Abraham in Bridgeton, NJ and as Sabbatical Rabbi of the Columbia Jewish
Congregation in Columbia, MD. Additionally, during the summer of 2007,
he was the Director of Education and the Director of Music for the Reconstructionist Movement’s Summer Camp, Camp JRF. Rabbi James joined
the Temple Beth Sholom family in July, 2008. Rabbi James is grateful to be supported
by a wonderful family. His parents, Mandy and Marcia Greene both work
for the Jewish community in Sacramento - Mandy serves as the Executive
Director of Temple Bnai Israel and Marcia is the Director of Education
at Temple Or Rishon. Heather Greene, his sister, is a social worker in
the Portland area. Rabbi James is married to Jen, who is a theater
lighting designer. They welcomed their first child, a daughter named
Talyah Tikvah Greene, into their family in September 2008. Rabbi James loves teaching and bringing
Judaism alive for everyone. He continues to share his passion for music
with his guitar, which he often plays during services. Still a devoted
music fan, Rabbi James now spends much of his free time listening to and
playing modern folk music. ...to understand, to see, to
hear, to learn, to teach, to keep, to do, and to uphold with love… - The Morning Liturgy These eight verbs from the
As I am called to serve my people, these words from the morning liturgy echo deep within my soul. By engaging in the well of tradition and by seeing these eight verbs as the statement of my rabbinic vision, I hope to serve the Jewish people as a learner, a teacher, a guide, and a fellow traveler for those seeking moments of engagement and blessing. I pray that as a rabbi I will have the strength to keep these verbs in my mind’s eye, and that in doing so I will have the ability to help all people discern God’s presence in the world as we go about continuing the divine work of creation.
Rabbi 's MessageShalom, and thank you for visiting Temple Beth Sholom's website.
The strength and vitality of congregational life reverberates in the walls of Temple Beth Sholom and through the actions of its staff, lay leadership and members. We are a congregation that has always valued the involvement of our members and has sought to create new and creative ways to experience Jewish life, culture and learning. Given our long history in Salem we see ourselves as honoring our past by continuing to build a vibrant and exciting future. Our congregation is more than just an assembly of people and programs, it is a spiritual home where you can make a difference and impact your Jewish community through your Jewish involvement. Temple Beth Sholom also aspires to be a community synagogue. We are a warm, welcoming congregation and very intentionally strive to build a strong community both within our walls and with the rest of Salem. As the only synagogue in the greater Salem area we are committed to welcoming Jews of all backgrounds, especially interfaith families and young families, to create a tapestry of Jewish experience. Even if you are not yet a member, please be a part of our wider community and attend the variety of activities and programs that we offer to everyone. We want your involvement and your presence. In this way we can be a blessing to each other. Whether it be Shabbat or holiday services, Torah study, an adult education or school program or one of the many ways we try to make the world a better place through tikkun olam (social action), please join us. If you wish to contact me please call the synagogue office (503) 362-5004, or e-mail me at rabbijames@tbsholom.org. I look forward to seeing you soon.
Kol Tuv (Be well), Rabbi James
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TBS
is thrilled to announce the arrival of Rabbi James!
