By 
New Faces for the New Year
By Eva Trieger
As Rosh Hashanah fast approaches Jews all over the world look forward to a fresh start and a truly inspired Yom Tov season. What better place to find this sense of renewal and rededication than La Jolla’s jewel, Adat Yeshrun? This Modern Orthodox shul has just welcomed a new assistant rabbi, Rabbi Binny Fiederer and his wife, Michal on board. In a recent Zoom interview, I was able to meet Rabbi Fiederer, as well as congratulate new shul president, Mitch Shack.
Rabbi Fiederer hails from suburban Philly, Elkin Park, to be precise. He was the oldest child raised in a close-knit shul environment. The rabbi credits his mentor, Dov Aaron Brisman, with instilling in him a sense of purpose and connection in his community shul. With Rabbi Fiederer’s close involvement in the shul, he learned to connect with people of all ages, He grew up knowing he was a valued member of the community and enjoyed contributing even as a young bucher. And … once a Phillies fan … always a Phillies fan.
Rabbi Fiederer shared that he is most fascinated by the intersection of Torah and Psychology. He welcomes the opportunity to grow as a human and help others do the same. He told me he revels in “taking what we have and channeling it with Torah and Hashem.” His master’s in social work has enabled him to support others.
The rabbi will be responsible for working with the youth, young families and the shul. He will be giving talks, be a driving force of the upcoming Sukkah hop, and engaging every member of the shul. He told me he is enjoying pushing himself to try things outside of his comfort zone, including davening Musaf, creating marketing materials, and fully engaging in Adat’s culture. The rabbi reported that he has found great support and a warm welcome from congregants, as he and his rebbetzin, Michal, anticipate Baby #1 into this warm, supportive environment.
Veteran congregant Mitch Shack, has graciously stepped up to the post of president of Adat Yeshurun. Over the past ten years Mitch, a behavioral scientist, has observed the growth and changes in the shul’s congregation and he reported that he is excited and honored to be working alongside both Rabbi Daniel Reich and Assistant Rabbi Binny Fiederer to bring about greater Jewish connections not only at Adat Yeshurun, but throughout the San Diego Jewish community. The new president reported that while Adat is Modern Orthodox it is an accepting, welcoming and inclusive environment that welcomes everyone. Mitch expressed his admiration for Rabbi Reich’s ability and willingness to foster connections with other shuls and organizations to create an inclusive, strong Jewish community not only in La Jolla, but one that extends beyond our eruv, into the greater San Diego County.
As we enter into 5786, may this new year bring each of us health, peace, connection and happiness.
Learn more at www.adatyeshurun.org.
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