Rabbi Ben Herman is moving across the country to join the Jericho Jewish Center (JJC) as its new religious leader.
Herman says it’s “because of the opportunity to lead such a family centered synagogue with a membership that is enthusiastic and growing.”
Herman has spent the past three years as assistant rabbi of Anshei Israel, the premier Conservative synagogue in Arizona.
“Everyone who has met Ben is invigorated by his youth and passion,” said Mark Wilkow, JJC board president. “We are excited to introduce him to our community.”
Raised in Milwaukee, Herman graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he earned his bachelor of arts with Honors in Hebrew and Jewish studies. He then attended the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York, where he graduated with his masters in Jewish education and rabbinic ordination.
He was a Chaplain Intern at Bellevue Hospital, and a Rabbinic fellow with the Jewish Council on Urban Affairs in Chicago. His experience includes service as a religious school education director, creating several successful youth and teen programs and participating on a number of community service board of directors.
“One of my priorities is to work closely with the religious school to develop and grow our next generation’s love for Jewish values and appreciation for our traditions,” said Herman. “And of course, make doing so fun and enjoyable!”
Rabbi Herman enjoys hiking, running, and following professional football, particularly the Green Bay Packers. He was married June 1, 2014 to Karina Reizman, a recent graduate of the University of Arizona who plans on becoming a child life specialist.
