Jonathan Jaffe Bernhard

Seasoned rabbi with over 25 years of pulpit experience, now exploring diverse roles within the Jewish community to build new relationships, serve new communities, and take on different projects.

• Taught individuals of all ages in multiple modalities, both formal and informal
• Encouraged and empowered congregants in their spiritual journeys
• Modeled lifelong learning

• Provided empathetic support and guidance during life's challenges
• Created a safe space for confidential discussions and assistance
• Officiated at services and life-cycle events

• Formulated and enacted the congregation's vision
• Set tone and expectations for the congregation
• Balanced tradition and innovation to create dynamic and engaging programs and policies
• Supervised kashrut (trust me, this is an act of leadership and political skills)

• Led services including Daily Minyan, Shivah Minyanim, Friday Night, Shabbat Morning, and Holiday Services
• Chanted Torah and Haftarah

• Worked with a Board of Directors and oversaw a large, diverse staff
• Partnered with laypeople to create a culture of mutual respect and support
• Developed and implemented programming for all ages and holidays
• Raised funds for synagogue improvements; identified donors, organized events, and built relationships with stakeholders

• Translated Jewish moral and ethical principles into congregational activities
• Organized food drives and other programs in collaboration with local, regional, and national organizations
• Fostered partnerships with other synagogues for social action

• Co-Founder, Valley Chevra Kaddisha - a volunteer chevra kaddisha serving the San Fernando Valley (valleychevrakadisha.org) 2022- Present
• Past Vice President, Board of Governors, Sandra Caplan Community Beit Din 2022-2024
• Past President, Board of Rabbis of Southern California (2013-2015)
• Past Chair, Funeral Practices Committee, Board of Rabbis (2015-2017)

• Crazy about Liverpool and English Premier League soccer
• Fostering mama dogs and their puppies
• Raising chickens
• Playing the ukulele badly