Rabbi Rick Schechter

A passionate teacher, speaker, writer, and storyteller, Rabbi Schechter brings a wonderful blend of wisdom, warmth, and sense of humor to the congregation and the community.  His vision is to inspire and engage us in deep and meaningful connections to Judaism, God, each other, and the world. He became the rabbi of Temple Sinai in 2005, having served for five years as the spiritual leader of Congregation Beth Knesset Bamidbar in Lancaster, and for three years as a rabbi of Temple Shalom in Dallas. He was ordained from the Reform Jewish seminary, Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, in 1997, where he received the award for best oratory. Rabbi Schechter is active in spiritual development, interreligious dialogue, and creating vibrant and joyful Jewish living. His articles and award-winning sermons have appeared in national publications. In 2017, after 14 years of extensive study, he completed 240 hours of training and received certification in Applied Positive Psychology, a field devoted to the scientific study of well-being and what contributes to human flourishing and optimal functioning. In recognition of his devoted service to the Jewish people for over 25 years he was awarded the title Doctor of Divinity (honoris causa) by HUC-JIR in 2022. He and his wife April have two children, Evan and Nina.