Meet Our Rabbi
Welcome from Rabbi Levinsky
What are my favorite parts of being a rabbi? Singing to preschoolers. Helping people at difficult times. Sharing happy times. Teaching that Torah is more than a book. It’s an inspiration. The list could go on. I love being a rabbi. Why do I love The New Reform Temple? At NRT, it’s possible to know everyone personally. I am fortunate to have been welcomed into a congregation where that kind of community is a reality. I hope that I can meet you too.
Who am I? I’m a husband with a wife who is a professor. I’m the father of a son studying Urban Planning. I am a dog parent to Angus. I have a Ph.D. in Religious Studies from Stanford. I’m a record collector. What is important to me? At the center of my rabbinate is Open Judaism.
Open Judaism.
All synagogues in the Reform movement are welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community, Jews-by-choice, and interfaith families. We try to go beyond that commitment. Anyone who loves Judaism and the Jewish people is welcome at The New Reform Temple.
My dedication to Open Judaism is expressed by these core values, which have been at the center of Jewish life for millennia. They will continue to be at the center of what our synagogue offers the Jewish community of Kansas City. We keep these values in our hearts and renew them every day.
Community.
A temple is not just a place for religion. It’s a place where we come together. More and more, we don’t feel like we belong to something bigger than ourselves and our family of choice. NRT provides that bigger world in a way that’s personal and meaningful.
Spirituality.
A temple is a place where we can become aware of something greater than ourselves. Whether it’s the music in our services, the quiet meditation of silent prayer, or a personal experience with everything that’s beautiful about life, The New Reform Temple is the reset button in our fragmented lives.
Social Justice.
NRT goes beyond its walls and connects with the larger community. Our members are engaged with Kansas City in innumerable ways. Social justice has always been an integral part of Reform Judaism and of The New Reform Temple. In Judaism, looking outward is as important as looking inward.
NRT is a special place. Its members are special people. I hope we see you.
Rabbi David Levinksy
