Rabbi Jonathan Bernhard

After 25 wonderful years at Adat Ari El, Rabbi Jonathan Bernhard decided to step away from the pulpit to explore new and meaningful ways of contributing to the Jewish community. This journey led him to work in the Jewish animal advocacy space, co-found the Valley Chevra Kadisha, work towards bringing green burial practices to the Jewish community, and train as a death doula. And in June of 2025, Jonathan became the rabbi at Temple Shalom of the South Bay.

He and his wife Laurie live in the San Fernando Valley and they have 3 grown sons, 2 goofy dogs, and 6 noisy chickens.