RABBI DR. RACHAEL TURKIENICZ
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Rabbi Rachael 905-303-5471 Ext. 3723 |
Beit Rayim Synagogue and School is proud to have Rabbi Dr. Rachael Turkienicz as our Senior Rabbi.
Born and raised in Toronto, Rabbi Rachael Turkienicz feels a strong connection to the city of Toronto and it’s thriving Jewish community.
Rabbi Rachael’s many years of study began at York University for undergrad, then continued at Brandeis University for a Master’s Degree and a Ph.D. in Talmud and Midrash. She then returned to her hometown and Alma Mater of York University to teach in the faculties of both Religious Studies and Education. Rabbi Rachael received her rabbinic ordination from the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies.
Building on her passion to bring the wisdom of ancient Jewish texts and making them more accessible in a modern Jewish world, Rabbi Rachael devoted herself to a variety of fields. From writing a monthly column for the Canadian Jewish News, producing and hosting national television shows on Judaism and spirituality, publishing articles, co-writing a children’s book on Jewish values, as well as expanding access to Jewish learning for adults, Rabbi Rachael opened doors of access.
As a leader strongly dedicated to Jewish education, and the importance of connecting the next generation to their Jewish legacy, Rabbi Rachael became one of the founders of the Toronto Heschel School, an award-winning, integrated curricular Jewish day school in Toronto, where she continues to mentor and consult.
Rabbi Rachael was the first recipient of the Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University Person of Distinction Award and is a Governor of the Canadian International Peace Project. She was also featured on CBC’s long-running show Tapestry and was presented with the Kesher Award from Israel Bonds Women’s Division in 2019.
In July 2022, Rabbi Rachael became the Senior Rabbi at Beit Rayim and is currently the only woman to hold the position of Senior Rabbi at a Conservative synagogue in Canada. Beit Rayim is proud to have Rabbi Rachael as our spiritual leader. Her sermons have become legendary, and she has won the first ever CJN Great Canadian Sermon Slam.
Rabbi Rachael displays a deep understanding of issues large and small, as such, she has become a much sought after speaker and advisor in North America and is considered one of the leading voices of modern Judaism.
Rabbi Rachael brings to Beit Rayim a wonderful combination of intuition, caring and wisdom that comes from years of studying and teaching Torah, Mussar and Ethics. Her passion is tangible and her vision for the future of Beit Rayim is something that is simultaneously exciting and propelling.
Rabbi Rachael and her husband live in the GTA close to their many children and grandchildren.