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

Darby Jared Leigh

Rabbi Darby Leigh is the most musical deaf rabbi you could ever find. He does not let his profound hearing impairment stand in the way of enjoying being our spiritual leader. In his three years as our rabbi, he has started a tradition in which each boy or girl who becomes bar or bat mitzvah gets a chance to share his or her learning by leading a congregational discussion. Rabbi Leigh encourages us to find the joy in Jewish observance and worship and to make everything we do authentic.

— David Orlinoff

Watch a segment of Rabbi Leigh’s rabbinic journey:

Watch Rabbi Leigh describe how he translates Shema for ASL speakers:

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