Rabbis Where You'd LEAST Expect Them

Conversion to Judaism in unique parts of America

Photo by Domino on Unsplash

We know there are many Darshan Yeshiva rabbis in the Jewish hot spots of New York, New Jersey and Florida. But there are also plenty of rabbis where you would least expect them.

Virginia’s Rabbi Patrick Beaulier and Rabbi David Greenspoon

Richmond, VA - Rabbi Patrick, both a Jew by choice and a co-founder of Darshan Yeshiva, considers it an honor to serve as a conversion mentor. With a background that includes a Reconstructionist conversion and a history of post-denominational education and Jewish service, he views his role as a conversion mentor not as that of a teacher or gatekeeper, but as a concierge.

Outside his role as Founder and Director of Darshan Yeshiva, Rabbi Patrick holds the role of founding rabbi at Kehillah, an independent-progressive Jewish community located in Richmond, VA. He is also the Director of Innovation at Pluralistic Rabbinical Seminary.

He is happily married to the love of his life, and he has recently welcomed a teenage son into his family, along with two tabby cats.

That same concierge approach can be found in another of Virginia’s rabbis, Rabbi David Greenspoon.

Leesburg, VA - For over 30 years of a relational rabbinate within and beyond the Conservative congregational world, Rabbi David has found the invitation into people's lives for their times of celebration and moments of sorrow to be a deep honor and privilege. His pastoral commitment is mirrored in his role as an educator across the entire learning spectrum.

He is privileged to be a founding member of the Loudoun Clergy and Faith Leaders Group, and his professional affiliations include the Washington Board of Rabbis and the National Association of Jewish Chaplains. Beyond his professional interests, he enjoys playing mandolin unplugged or otherwise, hearing live music (especially bluegrass/newgrass/jamgrass and associated music), spending time in natural settings, and drinking specialty coffee, which he and Rabbi Patrick have had the pleasure of doing together.

Wyoming’s Rabbi Moshe Halfon

Cheyenne, WY - Although he was raised Reform, Rabbi Moshe immersed himself in Orthodox and Hassidic circles. His ordination took place at Reconstructing Judaism; however, the mystical teachings of Jewish Renewal Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi of blessed memory deeply influenced his spiritual path. Additionally, he delved into the study of Buddhism and Eastern religions and holds the title of Reiki Master Healer. He regularly practices yoga, meditation, and Tai Chi.

Currently, he serves as the spiritual leader of Mt. Sinai Congregation in Cheyenne, Wyo., following fifteen years as a chaplain in the State of California. With experience living in Israel, he is fluent in conversational, literary, and Biblical Hebrew. As a talented singer, guitarist, and percussionist, he has traveled and performed in Spain, Brazil, Italy, and Mexico. This has enabled him to become proficient in Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and Yiddish, and he can sing in Russian and Arabic. Some of his hobbies include swimming, cycling, snorkeling and scuba diving, hiking, and organic gardening. His album of healing chants, titled "Let There Be Light," is utilized by healers worldwide.

Rabbi Judy In Louisiana

Monroe, La - Residing in Central Louisiana with her husband, Bob, Rabbi Judy is a progressive and creative Post-Denominational Rabbi who embarked on her rabbinical journey as a second career later in life. Her initial career was as an award-winning singer and recording artist specializing in Jewish music and music for families, serving as a cantorial soloist, and working as an educator. She has been involved in Jewish education since the age of 15 and finds immense joy in teaching and assisting individuals in gaining knowledge and understanding.

During her leisure time, she engages in volunteering and oversees two non-profit organizations. She also enjoys reading, watching movies, traveling, and is renowned for her passion for knitting.

Rabbi Lisa In New Mexico

Santa Fe, NM - Both personal and collective healing hold great significance in Rabbi Lisa’s relationship with Judaism. She also values the universal principles that Judaism imparts, such as truth, love, kindness, and beauty. Her orientation is spiritual, contemplative, experiential, natural, and creative, all while being firmly grounded in the Jewish tradition.

Her spiritual journey has been a long one. In her quest for meaning, she explored Buddhism, dedicating ten years to its study. During her Buddhist training, she rediscovered Judaism and formed deep connections with her rabbinic, chassidic, and Israelite priesthood lineages. In 2015, she received Smicha (Ordination) from Rabbi Mark Siedler in a private hand-to-hand ceremony.

Translation holds a special place in her heart, and she has translated the beginning of Genesis into English. Her passions include spending time in nature, singing, dancing, enjoying the company of friends, and practicing calligraphy.

The Midwest: Indiana (Rabbi Joshua) and Ohio (Rabbi Dan)

South Bend, IN - While Judaism is undoubtedly a spiritual and a cultural pursuit, we often forget it is — perhaps more so than any other faith — a religion of the intellect. This is the path through which Rabbi Joshua Rubin views Judaism.

Seekers such as Lily Montagu and Claude Montefiore, founders of UK Liberal Judaism, animate his work because they dedicated every resource of heart and mind to answering the question, “What does my God require of me?” They became convinced God requires uncompromising adherence to Judaism’s ethical values, the cultivation of a personal Jewish religion, and the reconciliation of tradition to contemporary morality, because to ignore the evolution of morality is to ignore God’s unfolding revelation.

Not only do students and Rabbi Joshua learn together, but they work together to craft a personal devotional discipline of study, prayer, and observance to ground their Jewish identity.

Columbus, OH - Rabbi Dan Betzel is an independent, progressive, post-denominational rabbi who takes great pleasure in working with students from diverse religious, educational, and family backgrounds.

Becoming a rabbi later in life was a deliberate choice for him, driven by his love for working with people and his genuine enjoyment in accompanying them on their spiritual journeys of discovery. Prior to assuming the role of a rabbi, he had a career as a Jewish educator and served as a tutor for b'nai mitzvah (coming-of-age ceremony). His primary mission is to assist others in finding their distinct and meaningful ways to unlock and embrace their shared traditions.

Married for 34 years, he and his wife share a profound love for travel, reading, watching great movies, and attending concerts, musicals, and lectures. He wishes all individuals Be-Chatz-la-cha (Good luck) on their respective journeys!