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


Print

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.