Trista Bernstein, Rabbinical Fellow - Director of Community
Phone: 408-358-1751 x7
Email: trista@shirhadash.org
Trista Bernstein is a seasoned nonprofit leader and member of our clergy team whose work centers on community-building, meaningful engagement, and mission-driven leadership. She currently serves as the Director of Community – Rabbinical Fellow at Congregation Shir Hadash, where she is part of the clergy team while pursuing rabbinic ordination at the Academy for Jewish Religion California (AJRCA). In this role, she supports worship, pastoral care, education, and strategic initiatives. Her work blends her professional expertise with a deep commitment to Jewish life and learning
Education and Training
Trista’s professional background includes senior roles in philanthropy, communications, and nonprofit leadership. Most recently, she served as Senior Director of Philanthropy at Jewish Silicon Valley, where she advanced donor engagement and community investment. She previously led Broadway By the Bay through a successful organizational turnaround as Executive Director, and held communications and development roles at Clear Water Development and the Grand Canyon Regional Center. She holds a Master’s in Nonprofit Administration from the University of San Francisco and a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Her rabbinic training at AJRCA is enriched by ongoing study with institutions such as Hadar and Kol Tefillah.
Background/Personal Information
A longtime member and volunteer at Shir Hadash, Trista previously served on the congregation’s Board of Directors, where she helped shape programs in engagement, education, and development. She has been a dedicated learner in the beit midrash, known for her thoughtful insights and community-minded questions. In addition to her professional and spiritual work, Trista has served as a board member with Post:Ballet and held governance roles at the Addison-Penzak JCC. Her passion for Jewish learning, nonprofit leadership, and meaningful relationship-building continues to guide her path as a devoted professional and future rabbi.