Resume
Email: gimbeljeremy@gmail.com
Web: www.jeremygimbel.com Twitter: @jeremygimbel Instagram: @gimbeljeremy
EDUCATION
Academy for Jewish Religion, Los Angeles, CA
Cantorial Ordination (expected in 2024)
Thesis: "Nusach San Diego: A Model for the Re-Regionalization of Nusach Ha-T'filah"
Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion, Los Angeles, CA
Rabbinic Ordination (2017)
Capstone: “TXTing the Text: Creating a Model For A New Translation of Torah”
Masters of Arts, Jewish Education (2015)
Masters Concentration in Israel Education (iCenter for Israel Education; 2015)
Masters of Arts, Hebrew Letters (2014)
University of California, Davis
BA Political Science (2008)
Minor: Religious Studies
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
Associate Rabbi, Cantor-elect - Congregation Beth Israel, San Diego, CA - 2017-present
Moments: Countless baby namings, brises, b'nei mitzvah, weddings, funerals, and other Jewish life-cycle events. Developed and implemented unique courses in religious school, including new 7th grade classroom & t'filah curricula and 10th grade Confirmation class. Director of Curriculum for one year of the religious school, reinvigorating our PK-12 curriculum. Teaching also includes: adult Torah study, introduction to Judaism, courses on Psalms, Ruth, modern Jewish thought, Esther, and more.
Media: Producer role for expanding virtual offerings. Developed virtual t'filah experiences which enable those who join virtually to participate as fully as those who are in attendance. Increase using media as a tool to achieve our mission. Other examples include Youtube playlists for upcoming special events and services, and developing video tutorials for prayers targeting b'nei mitzvah & intro to Judaism students.
Music: Developed RS & PS music curricula. Worked with variety of bands, choirs, and clergy partners in a variety of musical roles. Streamlined music organization within the community.
Student Rabbi & Music Director - Congregation Kol Ami, West Hollywood, CA - 2013-2017
Designed visual t’filah, enhanced social media, audio & video production. Wrote & delivered impassioned and impactful sermons. Regularly audited services to ensure meeting spiritual and practical goals. Developed an inclusive musical culture. Led & organized music for Shabbat, holiday, & High Holiday services. Organized & led adult retreat with lay leadership.
Rabbinic Intern - Congregation Beth Israel, San Diego, CA - 2016-2017
Led Shabbat & B’nai Mitzvah services as a member of the clergy team. Led Shabbat Torah study. Led pre-school in weekly Havdalah. Taught 7th grade t’filah, 7th grade core (Ritual theory & Practice), Confirmation (Jewish Expressionism), High School elective (TXTing the Text).
Clinical Pastoral Education - Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA - 2015
Leffell Israel Rabbinic Student Fellow & National Counsel Member - AIPAC - 2015-2017
Student Rabbi - Temple Beth Israel, Redding, CA - 2012-2013
Part-time Rabbi in small Jewish community; led services, adult text study, holiday rituals, mentored two b’nai mitzvah students.
Summer Rabbinic Intern - Temple Akiba, Culver City, CA - 2012
Developed & designed new prayer book for monthly Kabbalat Shabbat service.
Youth Director, Head Song Leader, Educator - Congregation Beth Israel, San Diego, CA - 2008-2011
Increased participation in events by 30% while adding depth throughout three youth groups (grades 4-12). Developed youth leaders. Music leader & teacher for religious school t’filot, song sessions, and camp retreats (grades 3-7). Developed and implemented music curriculum & trained three youth song leaders. Taught core & elective classes in post-b’nai mitzvah program. Assisted in rebuilding 20-30s program.
Religious & Cultural VP - NFTY, North America - 2004-2005
Managed North American network of regional RCVPs. Served as Junior Faculty at URJ Kutz Camp.
EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Education Intern - Bureau of Jewish Education, Orange County, CA - 2014-2015
Designed & implemented “Young Philanthropy” high school program; 8th grade unit head at weekend retreats.
Rabbinic Student Intern - DeLeT (Day School Leadership through Teaching), HUC-JIR - 2014
Planned, mentored, & led t'filot for future Jewish Day School teachers; planned cumulative events/programs including paper & digital design.
Multi-modal Educator (K-12) - Temple Judea, Tarzana, CA - 2012-2014
Song leader, 6th grade Hebrew; 11-12th grade core, High School electives (TXTing the Text & Jewish Identity Through Film).
MUSICAL LEADERSHIP
Song Leader "Tiny T'filah" - University Synagogue, Brentwood, CA - 2013-2017
Engaged young families & deepened ties to the congregation through on-site & off-site Saturday morning program.
Featured Performer & Song Leader - URJ Biennial - 2007, 2009, 2013
Song Leader - Birkat Shalom on Kibbutz Gezer, Israel - 2011-2012
Led monthly program for special-needs youth along with community’s Shabbat services.
Featured Song Leader - NFTY North American Convention - 2007
Song Leader (Head from ’06-’08) - URJ Camp Newman - 2005-2008
Managed and led a staff that used Jewish music as an educational device in the setting of a thriving summer camp. Served as liaison between staff and camp faculty. Taught song leading and liturgy courses throughout the summer to high school age participants.
Cantorial Soloist - Northern California Synagogues - 2004-2008
Led music (and in the absence of the Rabbi, full services) for Shabbat and B’nai Mitzvah services, and synagogue retreats (Congregation Bet Haverim, Davis; Rodef Shalom, San Rafael; Temple Beth Israel, Fresno; Temple Or Shalom, Orangevale). Developed and implemented religious school music programs at Congregation Bet Haverim and Temple Or Shalom.
PUBLICATIONS
Film
“Hatikvah: A Documentary about One Aspect of Israel” - Producer, Director, Editor - 2015
Highlights the rich, nuanced, and vibrant conversation in Israel about their national anthem, structured as a model to for how to have a healthy, loving conversation about Israel. https://youtu.be/VxbMQauPihs
“The Book of Purim” - Producer, Director, Editor, Writer - 2015
Parody of the musical, “The Book of Mormon.” Currently with over 100,000 YouTube views. https://youtu.be/4Qozz7aIE64
Israbel Films - Co-founder - 2008-present
Created, from concept to filming to finished product, videos for B’nai Mitzvah, weddings, anniversary & birthday parties, synagogue & corporate events, instructional, promotional, & creative videos.
https://vimeo.com/user2858104/videos
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeal1JcWYiqdzHd7-LX5NeQ
Birkon Midash M’at: NFTY’s Bencher (Editor). URJ Press, 2005. (print, ebook, app)
Compiled & edited the Reform Movement’s first Bencher, a small book of prayers and blessings.
Web
Active blog on Times of Israel.
Sample articles: “Religious Schools are Not Immune - The Startling Low Rate of Vaccine Polices in Jewish Schools,” “A Prayer of Gratitude for Marriage Equality,” “The Tohu Vavohu of Gun Violence,” & “The Rabbi Eats a Bacon Cheeseburger?” http://blogs.timesofisrael.com/author/jeremy-gimbel/
“How Do Israelis Feel About their National Anthem?“
The Forward, 7 Sept. 2016. http://forward.com/scribe/349321/tktk/
“Chaveirai n’vareich - Let’s Praise Birkon Mikdash M’at: NFTY’s Bencher.”
10 Minutes of Torah. URJ Blog, 11 Nov. 2014. http://blogs.rj.org/blog/2014/11/11/chaveirai-nvareich-lets-praise-birkon-mikdash-mat-nftys-bencher/
“Adding Extras to Birkat Hamazon.”
10 Minutes of Torah. URJ Blog, 24 Apr. 2005.
Featured Musician
“Salaam Achshav.” On album Ruach 5771. Transcontinental Music, 2009.
Shiron L’gan: Jewish Songs for Children Ages 2-5. Transcontinental Music, 1997.
Original Jewish Music
Neshama Yetera - Additional Soul (2011 & 2013) Composer, lyricist, producer.
Let it Happen (2009) Composer, lyricist, producer.
Live @ Temple Or Rishon (2008) Composer, lyricist, producer.
A Blessing in Disguise…. (2006) Composer, lyricist, producer.