Clergy

Contact

Email: rabbi@templebd.com

Phone Number: 

(626) 287-9994 ext. 16


Rabbi Ira Rosenfeld

Rabbi Ira brings a unique and refreshing perspective to the rabbinate through positivity and humor, engaging people of all ages from children to seniors. He received his ordination from the Academy for Jewish Religion-CA, and he is Co-Founder of Or Echad and HomeShul which was created with his wife Cantor Beth Wasserman Rosenfeld. Rabbi Ira has served as: Rabbi and Program Director of the Historic Hollywood Temple Beth El; Kol Bo (Rabbi and Cantor) for Temple Ner Shalom in San Luis Obispo; Rabbi and Religious School Director for Congregation Beth Shalom in Santa Clarita; and, Interim Rabbi and Adult Education Director at Temple Ramat Tzion in Northridge.  In addition, he has worked as an educator at religious schools in synagogues throughout Southern California.

In his first career, Rabbi Ira worked a musician, playing drums, percussion, and guitar for weddings and B’nai Mitzvah, as well as secular and popular music.  He then became a comedian and improv artist and performed in venues across the U.S. and Canada.  Rabbi Ira has also worked as an actor where he performed on TV, stage, and film.  He’s also been featured in national commercials. 

Rabbi Ira’s well-rounded Jewish and performance experience give him the tools to encompass the best of what Judaism has to offer; a relevant form of Judaism meant to reach individuals, families, and communities in today’s world, while honoring heritage and traditions. 

The most valuable message Rabbi Ira personifies is how to stay focused on all our blessings, while acknowledging the realities of suffering and injustice. Rabbi Ira facilitates a renewed sense of connection with your Judaism, yourself, your family, your community, and the world around you.

Rabbi Ira is beyond excited to serve as the rabbi of Temple Beth David of the San Gabriel Valley, as he strongly believes that TBD is the perfect fit for him; a community of wonderful people with an amazing history and a bright future.

GITAI VINSHTOK

Gitai Vinshtok sings as a Cantorial Soloist at Temple Beth David. He is a songleader and musician based in Los Angeles. He believes in the power of music to elevate and connect. Gitai is excited to be co-leading programs at Temple Beth David.

Rabbi Alan Lachtman

Rabbi Emeritus Alan Lachtman was born in San Francisco. He has been our beloved Rabbi since 1976. He and his wife, Ellen, serve the congregation with warmth, dedication and a spirit of inclusion. Rabbi Lachtman has a degree in marriage, family Child Therapy. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel from the Army Reserves. He teaches at the University of Judaism, the American Jewish Committee, and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The Hebrew Union College honored him with a Doctorate of Divinity in 1999. He was voted best Rabbi by the readership of the Pasadena Weekly. To email Rabbi Lachtman, email: hoyvey@aol.com