About

The Pursuit of Happiness?

America has given Judaism an incredible environment in which to flourish.  I once heard Joseph Telushkin say: “While many western countries have readily accepted Jews, only America has accepted Judaism.”  But you know, I think Judaism may have something to offer America, as well.  The founding fathers offer each of us the opportunity for “the pursuit of happiness”.  But Judaism has long known that happiness is a byproduct—not a goal.  Happiness is a byproduct of purpose, of meaning, of living life to our fullest potential.  I don’t promise to have the answers.  But I do know that Judaism has done more to help me understand the fundamental questions of the universe than anything else in my life.  So at least I find I’m spending my time wrestling with the true questions.  That’s what Israel (Yisra-El) means, after all—“The Ones who Wrestle with God.”  No, I can’t promise answers.  But I can promise joyful and serious wrestling with the eternal questions of human life.  I’d be happy to have you join me on the journey.

Education, Family, & Community a Vital Part of his Character

Raised in Palo Alto and Santa Cruz, Rabbi Yitzi learned the importance of education from his university-professor parents. He graduated from Stanford University, received his Master’s degree and Rabbinic ordination from Hebrew Union College—Jewish Institute of Religion, completed Pastoral Counseling training at both UCLA and Stanford Medical Centers, completed the Rabbinic Leadership program at the Institute for Jewish Spirituality, and currently teaches Judaism at the University of California. But educational credentials aside, the values he learned from his loving family and welcoming community lie at the heart of everything he does in his Rabbinate. More important than anything else, since 1994, he has been happily married to his wife, Shoshana, and they are the proud parents of Jacob, who was born in 2004.

A Liberal Chassidic Jew with a Proud Heritage 

Perhaps Rabbi Yitzi’s path in life was pre-ordained as he is a direct descendant of Baal Shem Tov, (the 18th-century founder of Chassidism.)  In fact, Rabbi Yitzi carries forward the Chassidic-inspired philosophy that everyone's quest to connect with Divinity, if made in earnest and with sincere effort, is equally acceptable before God.   The Chassidic Jewish movement recognized that the serious study of Torah and its values must be fueled by an inner fire of holiness, which dwells deep within each person’s soul, according to Jewish theology. It is this unique blend of the intellectual and the spiritual which Rabbi Yitzi continually pursues in his quest for wholeness within his faith.

Spiritual Direction A Major Part of his Faith and Practice

Rabbi Yitzi fundamentally believes it is up to each individual to determine his or her own connection with their holiest self and with the Source of that Holiness. Anchored in the Talmud’s guidance “Who is wise?—the person who learns from everyone”, Rabbi Yitzi draws teachings and sustenance from both Jewish and non-Jewish sources. Though obviously well-versed and well-anchored in the Jewish tradition, Rabbi Yitzi works actively with Jews of all types as well as people from many faiths, no faith, or unsure faith to help each person connect with the source of their being.

Committed to both Sanctity and Joy

Whether Pastoral Counseling, Spiritual Counseling, Teaching, officiating at a Bris, a Baby Naming, a Bar Mitzvah, a Bat Mitzvah, Guiding a person’s exploration of Conversion, or any of the multitude of other ways Rabbi Yitzi helps people connect with their source, he judges “success” by one simple litmus test—“Does the person or family’s experience deepen their connection with their own holiness and to the spiritual connections between all people?”  Though Rabbi Yitzi is well-praised for his deft ability to bring authentic Judaism and an inclusive atmosphere together to public ceremony, it is the profound work he does connecting with each and every person which sets his interactions apart.