Office Staff Rabbi Aron Cantor Felder-Levy Rabbi Levenberg Rabbi Fleekop

Associate Rabbi Joel Fleekop

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Growing up I was taught to see a sunset as a miracle, kindness as a Jewish value, and the synagogue community as a giant family. As a rabbi, these lessons about finding holiness in our world, putting our Jewish values to use everyday, and building and sustaining a warm and welcoming congregation remain my guide.

Born in Philadelphia, I grew up in Reno and Las Vegas, Nevada. I attended Brandeis University and graduated Magna Cum Laude with High Honors in Near Eastern Judaic Studies. In addition to my studies, I kept busy at as an active leader in Hillel, member of the varsity swim team, Hebrew school teacher and, most importantly, courting my future wife.

Following graduation I began my rabbinic studies at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. After completing the first year program in Jerusalem, I attended the Los Angeles campus where I received both a Master's in Hebrew Letters as well as rabbinic ordination.

During rabbinic school I had the honor to serve as student rabbi of Congregation Bnai Israel in Butte, MT, and as the rabbinic intern at Congregation Kol Ami in West Hollywood, CA. I also served as a graduate assistant for Judaic Studies courses at the University of Southern California and as intern for the Berit Milah Program of Reform Judaism.

Upon ordination from HUC-JIR in 2005, I joined Congregation Shir Hadash, serving initially as Assistant Rabbi and now, in my current role of Associate Rabbi. In addition to leading services and officiating at life cycle events, I oversee the congregation's havurot, youth groups, and programming for members in their 20s and 30s. I assist Bnai Mitzvah students with their speeches and teach both Hebrew High as well as Adult Education classes. I also work with our Connectedness and Social Justice Committees and plan special events like the Sukkah sleepover, trips to the theater and art galleries, and the Congregational Camping Trip.

My wife, Andrea Fleekop, is the Director of Education at Temple Beth Torah in Fremont. We have a beautiful daughter, Yael Tamar. We enjoy spending time at the beach, hiking, and relaxing with a good movie or game on the television. I love sports—with my team loyalties an eclectic mix. Since moving to the South Bay I have adopted our beloved Los Tiburones. Go Sharks!!

L'shalom,
Rabbi Joel Fleekop