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Rabbi EMeritus, Hayyim Kassorla

Rabbi Hayyim Kassorla is a native New Yorker who brings an infusion of energy, excitement, humor, member participation in services, and a love for our Sephardic traditions. Descended from the Jews of Rhodes/Turkey, the Rabbi follows in the footsteps of rabbis from Turkey, Tunisia, Morocco and Uruguay, making him the first American-born religious leader of OVS. He came to our keilah in March 2004, and has served as a pulpit Rabbi for more than 25 years at Sephardic congregations in San Francisco, Rockville, Maryland, and Great Neck, New York, and as a student rabbi at the Spanish-Portuguese synagogue, Shearith Israel in New York.

 

There are numerous accomplishments and accolades in Rabbi Kassorla’s repertoire. He was ordained at Yeshiva University where he received his B.A. in English and a teaching degree, and earned a Master’s degree in social work. YU has honored the rabbi at their 100 year anniversary and with their Alumnus Award.
 

Rabbi Kassorla encourages us to build on our past as we plan for our future. He emphasizes that everyone is invited to OVS to participate in the synagogue’s life.

 

“Sephardic Jews lived in harmony with their neighbors, and that attitude has been passed down. We have always welcomed Jews of all backgrounds – and opinions.”

 

Rabbi Kassorla ended his tenure at OVS in December 2019 and lives near our synagogue with his wife, Dr. Yael Kassorla, and their two children.

Tue, March 19 2024 9 Adar II 5784