Teacher. Jewish Community
Builder. Wannabe Financial
Investor.

David approaches his professional life from the conviction that Jewish learning can and must say something to the most pressing human questions of our moment— and that rabbis must serve as cultural translators and meaning makers for the renewal of Judaism and Jewish community.

The work of training and developing the next generation of rabbis in America has been one of David’s professional passions. Now, the opportunity to help Israeli spiritual entrepreneurs create a dynamic Israeli Judaism and build open Israeli Jewish communities is a tremendous personal blessing.

David taught in the JTS Rabbinical School for twenty years where he was an Assistant Professor for Jewish Law and Talmudic Studies. David served as Vice Chancellor and Chief Advancement Officer of JTS.

David is passionate about adult lay learning, cherishing opportunities to think deeply about Jewish texts with busy professionals. David is a proud and successful fundraiser, excited by the work of building relationships and partnering with people to bring more light into the world. David received a rabbinics degree and his Ph.d in Talmudic Literature from JTS. He also received smichah from Rabbi Chaim Brovender. He is a Wexner Graduate Fellow.

David is married to Rabbi Shuli Passow and is the proud and sometimes successful father of Idan and Azriel.