Rabbi Allan Kensky

Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
“I will never forget when Rabbi Kensky spoke from the bimah and explained why he became a rabbi. He said that he loves to study Jewish text and serve the Jewish people, but more than anything else, he wants his rabbinate to be about comforting people. I cannot find words to describe how moved I was by this revelation. Here was my rabbi and teacher saying that life is hard and his mission is to be a source of comfort. In a religious world often filled with dogmatic authoritarianism, hearing that my rabbi is primarily concerned with my comfort and that of the people in my community, I find new purpose and reason to work for the continuation of the rabbinate in Jewish life.”
—DAVID STEINER
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
