About Rabbi Pernick - Beth Am Temple

Rabbi Daniel Pernick has been the Rabbi at Beth Am Temple since July, 1985. He is a native of Detroit, Michigan where he attended Oakland University and received a BA in Sociology. Rabbi Pernick was ordained at the Cincinnati campus of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in 1982 and served for three years as the Assistant Rabbi in New England's second largest congregation (at the time), Temple Emanuel in Worcester, Massachusetts. While there, he was fixed up with his Ruth, his wife to be and they married in 1983. Four children followed after their arrival at Beth Am.

Rabbi Pernick is very involved in Adult Education, Community Outreach, including working with the Pearl River Interfaith Affiliate and is a past president of the Rockland Board of Rabbis and the Pearl River Interfaith Council.

Rabbi Pernick's religious philosophy emphasizes a love of tradition, but a committment to creative worship and rituals that may enhance religious practice. His strong belief is that Judaism should be fun, fulfilling and challenging. What it should not be is boring. His involvement in temple programming at every level seeks to bring this philosophy into every aspect of temple life.

Among the innovations he has brought to the temple are a weekly Torah Study group, annual Group Naming ceremonies on Shabbat Shmot (names), an annual Tu B'Shevat Seder and BATeeMail (a weekly update to congregants via email).

Since 2006, he has expanded our Shabbat menu to include "Friday Night Live" (a Rock'n Roll Shabbat, featuring Temple talent), The Learners' Shabbat (an explanatory service) and the Farbrengen (an informal sing, schmooze and discussion of Torah over desserts and snacks).

Rabbi Pernick was honored by Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion with the honorary Doctor of Divinity degree in May, 2007 in honor of his serving as a rabbi for 25 years (22 at Beth Am).

He is a strong believer in getting people involved in every facet of Temple life. As a result, congregants are regularly involved in helping to lead worship services and their active involvement is encouraged in temple committees and programming.

Rabbi Pernick can be reached via email at RabbiDan@juno.com.

Click here to read Rabbi Pernick's "Erev Rosh Hashanah Sermon"

Click here to read Rabbi Pernick's "First Day Rosh Hashanah Sermon"

Click here to read Rabbi Pernick's "Second Day Rosh Hashanah Sermon"

Click here to read Rabbi Pernick's "Erev Yom Kippur Sermon"

Click here to read Rabbi Pernick's "Yom Kippur Morning Sermon"