Growing up the son of a conservative rabbi in New Jersey, Rabbi Eliezer Finkelstein always saw rabbinical work in his future. Now, he’s joining the Bais Abraham team as the synagogue celebrates its 130th year. 

“I come from a rabbinic family,” he said. “I grew up in that world, so I always knew I wanted to be a rabbi.”

After finding himself at home within the Orthodox community while studying at Columbia University, he chose to attend Yeshivat Chovevei Torah in New York.  

“They were authentic in their Judaism and cared about me both as a person and as someone who could be a good rabbi for people,” Finkelstein said.

After graduating from rabbinical school in 2021, he took a job in Baltimore as the assistant rabbi at Moses Montefiore Anshe Emunah Hebrew Congregation. During his time in Baltimore, he and his wife, Danya, welcomed two baby boys. 

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His rabbinical school put him in touch with Bais Abraham, and after learning more about the job opportunity, he felt it could be a perfect fit. 

“The main thing I prioritize when looking at a shul is what kind of community they have,” Finkelstein said. “Other things can change, but how friendly people are and how people care about each other, that’s the foundation of the shul. They have so much history, and that made it a place where I wanted to continue the legacy.”

Dan Vianello, president of the Bais Abraham board, said what struck him about Finkelstein is his devotion to the role.

“His commitment to learning, compassion, rabbinic lineage, and devotion to the life and calling of being a rabbi attracted us to him,” Vianello said. “He comes across as very authentic and compassionate, and it was evident right as he started. He really wants to make sure he’s taking the time to learn the community so he can do right by the community and lead us into the next chapter.”

Finkelstein is excited to bring his passions to the new job. Along with his enthusiasm for Jewish history, his many fellowship and internship experiences allowed him to learn from other rabbis and discover the kind of rabbi he wanted to become. His time as a JOIN for Justice Seminary Leadership Fellow helped him to discover his passion for community organizing.  

“It centered not just on being a rabbi doing the typical things, but on how we can help a community grow bigger and stronger,” he said. “It really opened my eyes to the work a rabbi can do and how we can help communities in ways I hadn’t realized before.” 

As Finkelstein and his family continue to adjust to St. Louis and as he begins his work, he hopes to connect with as many people as he can.

“My main plans are to just get to know people and learn what people are looking for from our shul,” he said. “I want to first understand my community.”

If you see Finkelstein and his family around town, make sure to say hello. At 6 feet 6 inches tall, you can’t miss him.