Rabbi Alexander

RABBI | Leslie Alexander

Rabbi Leslie Alexander served as assistant and later associate Rabbi at Adat Ari El from 1986-1996 working under the exceptional mentor, colleague and friend, Rabbi Moshe Rothblum. She was the first woman in the world appointed to be a Rabbi at a major Conservative synagogue, thanks to the openness of Adat Ari El. She very sadly left her Synagogue home, for the Silicon Valley in order for her husband Ken to pursue his dream in science and technology. She visited many times over the years and maintained friendships with many Adat Ari El members. In the intervening 25 (yikes!) years, she served as a Rabbi at Congregation Beth David in Saratoga and worked for the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley in several roles; Jewish Community Chaplain, Creator and Director of Silicon Valley’s PJ Library program, Director of a young adult Jewish philanthropic program (Giving Circle) and more.

Rabbi Alexander and her husband moved back to Southern California last summer in order to be closer to their daughter, Shira, son in law, Justin and granddaughter, Romi (almost 3). Ken is still working remotely in the Silicon Valley. Their daughter Aliza, only a toddler when we moved away, lives and works in New York.

Rabbi Alexander is very excited to be returning to the AAE family. She will be working part time and can’t wait to be involved in services, pastoral care, adult education, holiday programming, working along with Rabbi Schuldenfrei, Cantor Aranoff, the entire AAE staff and being with all of you!

Click Here to connect with Rabbi Alexander.