Clergy
Rabbi Kevin Lefkowitz
Rabbi Kevin Lefkowitz began his tenure as rabbi of Adat Shalom in July 2022. His primary goal for this year is to continue Adat Shalom’s long standing tradition of Jewish learning and community. He strives to bring Judaism into our daily lives and teach Torah in ways that foster recognition of the God-given dignity of every human being.
Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Rabbi Lefkowitz grew up attending the Chapel Minyan as part of the larger Congregation Beth Yeshurun. At the Chapel, he learned to daven, read Torah and Haftarah, and how to maneuver his way to first in the lemonade line at kiddush.
Rabbi Lefkowitz recently married soon-to-be Rabbi Melissa Carp Lefkowitz. Their wedding took place on June 12 in Newton, MA, and they look forward to hosting and taking part in numerous Shabbat dinners and simchas.
Rabbi Lefkowitz received his ordination from the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies at American Jewish University. He holds a BA in History from the University of Texas and MA in Education from American Jewish University, where he wrote his capstone, “Mishpachat Israel: Lifelong Jewish Learning.” In addition to studying Torah, Rabbi Lefkowitz is an avid Houston sports fan and particularly enjoys watching the Astros. He hopes you can use this immediate point of tension to work with him in strengthening the diverse community around our shared mission of welcoming everyone, no matter where they are on their religious journey.
Dale Schatz
Dale Schatz brings music and meaning as our Shaliach Tzibor, congregational prayer leader. Filling our cantorial needs on Friday Night, Shabbat morning, holidays and High Holidays, he offers inspiring instrumental accompaniment and humor. He brings energy and love of Judaism to the main sanctuary and the Tot Shabbat services as well.
Schatz has shared his musical talents to enhance prayer at a variety of Jewish communities in Los Angeles and Orange County. He serves as repeating artist-in-residence at Congregation Bnai Israeli in Tustin; Temple Bat Yahm, Newport Beach; Kehillat Horim at Heritage Pointe in Mission Viejo; Temple Beth Emet, Anaheim; the Orange County Community Scholars Program; and with the Jewish Collaborative of Orange County. Dale’s Klezmer and Pop band has performed at more Jewish weddings within the Conservative Jewish community than any other single ensemble in Southern California.
To hear Dale Schatz, please subscribe to the Adat Shalom Youtube Channel.
