Rabbi Hearshen Bio

Our Associate Rabbi, Josh Hearshen, received rabbinic ordination at the University of Judaism.  He has a BA in Social Relations from Michigan State University and an MA in Rabbinic Studies from the University of Judaism.  He believes in the need to reinvigorate the synagogue to become a community of committed Jews.  The essence of a synagogue is that it be a community, a nurturing and evolving center that allows everyone to pray together, socialize together, enjoy life together, and learn together.  He enjoys teaching concepts in new and unique ways that grabs people’s attention and keeps them engaged.  He has been recognized for excellence in education by the Bureau of Jewish Education in Los Angeles, CA and with the national Grinspoon-Steinhardt award.  Rabbi Hearshen is the co-author of a responsa for the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards on the subject of violent and defamatory video games, specifically the reasons why such games are unfit for consumption in a Jewish context.

Raised as a Reform Jew in suburban Detroit, MI, Rabbi Hearshen knew in high school that he wanted to become a rabbi.  He became Conservative in his first year of college, crediting a committed Jewish upbringing and his Sunday school teacher, Morton Wolin ז''ל, for placing him on the path of the rabbinate.  In his spare time Rabbi Hearshen can be found reading both comic and regular books, rollerblading, cooking, riding horses, watching sports, practicing magic, playing games and participating in many other hobbies.   

Rabbi Hearshen is married to Carrie Hearshen, an accomplished Jewish educator.  Rabbi Hearshen and Carrie welcomed their daughter Ayelet into the world in 2008 and are enjoying learning the ropes of parenthood.

Check out Rabbi Hearshen's blog at: http://ravhearshen.blogspot.com