Rabbi Rona Shapiro
Rabbi Rona Shapiro
Rabbi Rona Shapiro began tenure as the spiritual leader of Congregation B’nai Jacob in 2013. Prior to that she lived in Cleveland where she served for four years as the rabbi of Congregation Bethaynu and for two years as a rabbi at B’nai Jeshurun Congregation after Bethaynu merged with B’nai Jeshurun. In her work in the pulpit she is known for her outstanding sermons, her caring pastoral presence, and her innovative programing.
Before that, she served as Senior Associate of Ma'yan: the Jewish Women's Project in New York (2000-2007) and Executive Director of Berkeley Hillel (1990-2000).
Rabbi Shapiro was ordained by the Jewish Theological Seminary in 1990, among the early women graduates. She has written and published numerous articles, is the founding editor of the website, ritualwell.org, ,a Senior Fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute, and a graduate of the Institute for Jewish Spirituality. Rabbi Shapiro spent two years studying in Israel at the Pardes Institute prior to her ordination. She received her BA, Phi Beta Kappa, Magna Cum Laude, from Harvard University. Rabbi Shapiro's interests include spirituality, ritual, text study, spiritual parenting, hiking, biking, and cooking. She is married to David Franklin and they are parents of two daughters, Noa and Hallel.
Rabbi Rona Shapiro named among 'America’s Most Inspiring Rabbis,' the annual list compiled by The Forward.
Learn more about this prestigious national honor: Article from The Forward /Article from The Connecticut Jewish Ledger
Recent Sermons
Mon, April 21 2025
23 Nisan 5785
This week's Torah portion is Parshat Shmini
Shabbat, Apr 26 |
Candle Lighting
Friday, Apr 25, 7:25pm |
Havdalah
Motzei Shabbat, Apr 26, 8:34pm |
Upcoming Events
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Friday ,
AprApril 25 , 2025
Friday, Apr 25th 6:30p to 7:30p
Emily Levy-Shochat will speak on the topic “Make Your Voice Heard.” A committed activist, she will discuss how our voices as American Jews can help protect Israel’s future as a Jewish and democratic state, while also strengthening the Jewish people and pluralism worldwide. The Chairperson of Masorti Israel for 5 years, Emily has worked to strengthen civil society, maintain Israel’s democracy, and protect human rights. -
Sunday ,
AprApril 27 , 2025
Sunday, Apr 27th 10:00a to 11:00a
Many of us who have been educated in the Jewish community have learned a list of things that Christians believe but we couldn't or shouldn't believe. But early Christianity grew out of Judaism, and the overlap of the two faiths is considerable—including beliefs and practices that allegedly distinguish the two religions but really do not. Please join us as Professor Kraemer challenges some of the false differences, only to uncover the real, nuanced differences that distinguish each religion from the other. -
Sunday ,
AprApril 27 , 2025
Sunday, Apr 27th 3:00p to 7:00p