Inspiring Rabbis 2016: 32 Men and Women Who Move Us Most

Justin Goldstein

For the first time in my life, and in the nine years of my Jewish professional life, I find myself yearning to go to shul. Rabbi Justin has figured out how to encourage Jewish learning in a way that is relevant and important, while also being accessible for the “lay learner.” While I have truly enjoyed the other rabbis that have come in and out of my life, never have I experienced knowledge and insights rooted in strength that come with equal amounts of humility. Rabbi Justin is beyond passionate about social justice work. He has done community and national work with Hazon, Carolina Jews for Justice, Rabbis without Borders and many other local and national organizations that help him to embrace his Jewish values. Rabbi Justin skillfully navigates and transcends the wide age gap in our community. Our shul is stronger, the greater Jewish community is stronger and my personal Jewish identity is stronger — all because of Rabbi Justin.

— Rochelle Reich

Watch Rabbi Goldstein give the ordination drasha for his graduating rabbinic class:

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