Rav Tiferet Berenbaum works at Temple Beth Zion (TBZ) full-time to manage Beit Rabban (TBZ’s Hebrew school) and support our community’s spiritual, social, and educational programming. Originally from Brookline, Rav studied at Tufts University in Medford MA, majoring in Judaic Studies and Clinical Psychology. She received Rabbinic Ordination and a Master’s in Jewish Education from Hebrew College and spent her summers in the Berkshires living, growing, teaching, and serving at the Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center. She has taught at numerous synagogues in the Boston Area and day schools, as well as directing summer camp and establishing an independent youth education program. Rav also served as rabbi to congregations in Milwaukee, WI and Mt. Holly, NJ before stepping away from the pulpit and returning home to TBZ.

In her multifaceted career, she has a front seat at the intersection of race, racism and religion, giving her valuable insights into how different groups of people see the world and refining her powers of empathy. She believes that “at this time, we need to reach out to vulnerable groups in our society. We need to model overcoming ignorance and fear in favor of understanding and relationships. When we genuinely ask questions and seek understanding, we build trust that leads to strong relationships.” This core belief translates into her work.

Her rabbinate is built on a foundation of relationships. She has a strong passion for working with children and a deep commitment to connection across generations and communities. She desires to know each congregant personally and cultivate relationships in order to tailor their experience of Judaism and meet them where they are.