Draft:Hyim Shafner
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Rabbi Hyim Shafner | |
|---|---|
| Born | New London, Connecticut |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Yeshiva University |
| Alma mater | Yeshiva University (rabbinical ordination), degrees in social work and Jewish philosophy |
| Occupation | Rabbi |
| Known for | Rabbi of Kesher Israel (Washington, D.C.) |
| Title | Rabbi |
| Predecessor | Barry Freundel |
| Website | https://www.kesher.org/ |
Rabbi Hyim Shafner is an American Modern Orthodox rabbi, educator, and author. He is the spiritual leader of Kesher Israel, a prominent Orthodox synagogue in Washington, D.C.'s Georgetown neighborhood. Shafner has written extensively on Jewish law, ethics, and pastoral care, and is a contributing voice in both academic and community religious discourse.
Early life and education
[edit]Shafner received his rabbinic ordination from Yeshiva University and holds graduate degrees in social work and Jewish philosophy. His educational and pastoral background has informed his focus on community building, mental health, and halakhic counseling within Orthodox Judaism.
Career
[edit]Shafner began his rabbinic career in St. Louis, Missouri, where he served as the rabbi of Bais Abraham Congregation. During his tenure, he led progressive community initiatives, including support for women in synagogue leadership.[1] He also served as the director and campus rabbi at Hillel at Washington University in St. Louis.
In 2017, Shafner was appointed rabbi of Kesher Israel, succeeding interim leadership after the departure of Rabbi Barry Freundel.[2][3] His hiring was seen as part of the congregation’s rebuilding process and was welcomed by the broader Jewish community.[4]
He is affiliated with the Rabbinical Council of Greater Washington and listed as a contributing rabbi by the Vaad HaRabbanim of Greater Washington.[5]
Public commentary and leadership
[edit]Rabbi Shafner has frequently been quoted in national and local media on issues related to Jewish communal life, Israel, and public health. In 2023, he was quoted by U.S. News & World Report commenting on evolving American attitudes toward the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.[6]
In 2019, he appeared on WUSA9 advocating for vaccination within the Orthodox community during a measles outbreak.[7]
In 2024, he authored an op-ed in the Washington Jewish Week warning against the dangers of religious and political extremism in Israel.[8]
Following a 2023 antisemitic incident outside his synagogue, Shafner told NBC Washington, "I was afraid... I thought, are we safe?"[9]
He has also been quoted reflecting on communal trauma and grief following incidents such as the attack at the Israel Museum.[10]
Selected works
[edit]- Shafner, Hyim. The Everything Jewish Wedding Book. Adams Media, 2008. ISBN 9781598690642.
- Shafner, Hyim. “Pastoral and Halachic Approaches to Homosexuality and Transsexuality.” In Homosexuality, Transsexuality, Psychoanalysis and Traditional Judaism, edited by Alan Slomowitz, Routledge, 2019. ISBN 9781351718486.
- Shafner, Hyim. “Spiritualizing Kashrut.” In Kashrut, Jewish Ethics, and Food in Thought, History, and Halakhah, edited by Benjamin Sachs, Academic Studies Press, 2023. ISBN 9781618119032.
References
[edit]- ^ "Orthodox shul elects female president". St. Louis Jewish Light. April 27, 2010. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
- ^ "Two and a half years after rabbi's voyeurism arrest, Georgetown's Kesher Israel hires a new leader". The Washington Post. March 16, 2017. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
- ^ "DC synagogue hires successor for mikvah-peeping rabbi". The Times of Israel. March 16, 2017. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
- ^ "Bais Abraham plans farewell event for Shafner family". St. Louis Jewish Light. March 10, 2017. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
- ^ "Vaad Bulletin 12.2 (2024)" (PDF). Vaad of Greater Washington. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
- ^ Morin, Rebecca (October 12, 2023). "How American Views of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Have Evolved". U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
- ^ "Georgetown Rabbi takes a stand against measles outbreak". WUSA9. February 21, 2019. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
- ^ "The dangers of zealotry in Israel". Washington Jewish Week. March 6, 2024. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
- ^ Vance, Victoria (April 25, 2024). "'I Was Afraid': DC Rabbi Talks About Antisemitic Attack Outside Georgetown Synagogue". NBC Washington. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
- ^ "'We're mourning a lot right now': DC community reflects on Jewish museum shooting". Washington Jewish Week. October 10, 2023. Retrieved July 14, 2025.