Young Israel recently welcomed Rabbi Dov Fink as senior rabbi, replacing Rabbi Moshe Shulman, who led the congregation for 18 years. Fink, a New Jersey native, officially assumed his duties on Friday, Aug. 1.
He studied at the Yeshivat Kerem B’Yavneh in Israel and received his rabbinic training at Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary in New York. Fink was ordained in 2022. He previously served as rabbinic intern at Young Israel of West Hempstead, N.Y. and Young Israel of Passaic-Clifton, N.J.
In 2023, Fink was a scholar-in-residence at Young Israel in St. Louis, so he is already familiar with the congregation and the community. He told the Jewish Light he is excited to get started and has plans to learn as much as he can about Young Israel members.
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“I’m happy and eager to contribute in any way I can,” said Fink, 29. “My initial goals are to get a very strong working knowledge of the shul and of its members and to build very strong relationships. To learn about the individuals who are caring, compassionate and warm has been a really rewarding experience.
“The one word that really sums up the character of so many of the individuals I’ve met so far is that they’re very wholesome. We’re really excited for the future to continue growing in meaning and purpose and direction.”
Fink studied psychology at the undergraduate level and earned a master’s degree in social work. He said that educational background helps him understand people and what makes them tick.
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“I was always very interested in the topics of psychology and mental health and the intersection of those two fields with the timeless traditions of Jewish values and contemporary mental health challenges,” he said. “Coupling that with the timeless wisdom and knowledge of the Torah values was always something that I was extremely drawn to, and it’s been incredibly rewarding.”
When he was growing up, Fink thought about entering the rabbinate. His role models included members of the clergy, including Rabbi Larry Rothwachs at Congregation Beth Aaron in Teaneck, N.J., who moved to Israel one year ago.
“He took care of people and really connected to everyone on their own level,” Fink said. “He was capable of being an educator and a teacher to so many different individuals from different backgrounds and of different types. That was something I was always inspired to do. Having that opportunity as a congregational rabbi, I think uniquely positions oneself to interact with a diverse group of individuals.”
Along with his wife Sara and three children Adina, Yisrael and Shira, Fink is getting more familiar with his new home. He enjoys music and hiking. He is also a longtime baseball fan.
“I was born in the Bronx and grew up in the tri-state area, so I have been a New York Yankees fan,” he said. “I’m looking forward to following the Cardinals as well. I’m aware of the fact that St. Louis is a big baseball town.”
