Rabbi Bruce Alpert

With his ordination from the Academy for Jewish Religion in New York, Bruce Alpert formally began his rabbinate at Beth Israel Synagogue.

Having been involved in manufacturing and sales here in Wallingford for more than twenty years prior to rabbinical school, Rabbi Alpert understands that for Judaism to be flourishing and vibrant, it has to speak to people's lives - not only in times of joy or sorrow, but every day. Yet Judaism is not like a consumer product. To engage in it is to engage in the project of making one's life a holy undertaking. For this intimate synagogue community, Rabbi Alpert seeks the close relationships with congregants that can foster the personal explorations of what holiness means in our lives individually, and as a community.

While honoring the individual needs and gifts each member brings to Beth Israel, certain things are shared by all: the need to grow in both knowledge and understanding; the need to celebrate the seasons and the passages of life as a community; the need to direct our hopes and dreams to a source beyond ourselves. Rabbi Alpert looks forward to finding both new and old ways to meet all these needs as this synagogue continues to grow in size and vibrancy.

Judaism is a precious gift bequeathed to us by our ancestors. It can sustain and ennoble our lives and those of our children - if we take that small first step necessary to engage it and pass it on. Rabbi Alpert is excited for the challenge of engaging every member of Beth Israel’s wonderful community.