Rabbi Aron Rubin is equally adept at teaching Judaism and leading a congregation. Rubin, 38, who assumed the position of rabbi at Nusach Hari B’nai Zion on Aug. 15, is well-versed in the Torah. He also makes a mean dessert.
Rubin was drawn to the position at NHBZ by the St. Louis community and the environment of the shul.
“We really like the Midwest and the laid-back environment,” Rubin said. “The slow pace reminds me a little bit more of Australia, where I grew up.”
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The location was also attractive because Rubin’s wife, Leia, is a St. Louis native and attended Block Yeshiva High School, so they already have the support of an extended family. The community has the infrastructure and schools the Rubins wanted for their three children: Eitan, 6, Yedidya, 2, and Atara, 2 months.
Leia Rubin earned a bachelor’s degree in Judaic studies from Touro College, and a master’s in occupational therapy from Touro University. In his native Melbourne, Rubin earned a bachelor’s degree in food science and chemical engineering. His interest and skill in cooking came courtesy of his parents.
“My mother is very much into cooking, and my father was a science guy, and he liked to experiment,” Rubin said. “One of his most preferred experiments was to cook or to bake because you get to eat the results. He became quite an avid baker when I was growing up, and my parents encouraged me to get into the kitchen.”
During his undergrad years, Rubin was active in the local Jewish community and taught Torah classes. That led him to Yeshiva University in New York, where he was ordained in 2018. While attending Yeshiva, Rubin served as a rabbinic intern in Long Island, N.Y., at the Roslyn Synagogue and the Great Neck Synagogue. He also earned a master’s degree in Jewish education from Yeshiva University’s Azrieli School.
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In 2019, Rubin assumed the assistant rabbi position at Congregation BIAV in Overland Park, Kan. He also served in a variety of roles for the Vaad HaKashruth. Rubin said his experience in other communities makes him more well rounded as a teacher and leader.
“I’ve been around a bit, and I see value in having been to different places,” he said. “Maybe it’s me being from Australia, or maybe it’s just my personality. I’m pretty chill and down to earth, and I can just relax with people.”
Rubin is eager to meet NHBZ members and help integrate the performance of mitzvot with the elements of daily life.
“I’m hoping to connect to people, hopefully in a way that’s genuine, and that they can relate to it, but in a way that’s also going to inspire them to grow,” he said. “Over time, I can build relationships with people in the shul and ultimately help people grow in their connection to Torah and to Judaism.”
