Our Clergy

Our Rabbi

“V’asu li mikdash v’shachanti betocham — Let them make for Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.”
— Exodus 25:8

Rabbi Beni Wajnberg understands this verse as a reminder that holiness is not confined to any one place, but is created in the spaces between people—through relationship, presence, learning, and community.

Rabbi Wajnberg started here at Beth Jacob in 2024, bringing warmth, intellectual curiosity, and deep pastoral sensitivity to his work. Ordained in 2015, the rabbinate has always been his true calling: accompanying people through life’s joys, struggles, transitions, and big questions, while helping them discover meaning, connection, and moments of holiness along the way.

Over the course of his rabbinate, he has served Jewish communities across North America, South America, and Asia. These experiences have given him a deep appreciation for the richness and diversity of Jewish life, as well as the enduring truth that Jews everywhere still love debating the same ancient texts and questions.

His teaching draws from Torah, Jewish philosophy, classical rabbinic literature, and Jewish bioethics, always with an eye toward how Jewish wisdom can speak meaningfully to contemporary life. Rabbi Wajnberg is equally at home in traditional davening, creative spiritual practice, serious text study, and thoughtful communal conversation. He believes vibrant Jewish life can emerge through many different pathways—through prayer, learning, meditation, music, acts of care, and the simple act of showing up for one another.

Rabbi Wajnberg is married to Rabbi Miriam Wajnberg, and together they are raising their two young children, Shai and Rafi, whose energy and curiosity bring constant joy and perspective to family life.

Outside the synagogue, Rabbi Wajnberg enjoys playing the cello, running outdoors, cooking, and reading widely. Born and raised in Brazil, he is a true global citizen, holding five citizenships (US, Brazil, Israel, Argentina and Poland). He speaks English, Hebrew, Portuguese, and Spanish fluently, and can also read French.

Congregants and visitors alike quickly discover another hallmark of Rabbi Wajnberg’s approach: tea. He is known for always offering a cup to those he meets with, believing that meaningful conversation begins by slowing down, sharing space, and taking the time to truly listen to one another.

To learn more about Rabbi Wajnberg and his approach to Jewish community, listen to his interview with The CJN Daily Podcast.