SAN DIEGO (Press Release) — Congregation Dor Hadash has appointed Rabbi Michael Rothbaum as its new rabbi. A dynamic spiritual leader, educator, and justice advocate, Rabbi Rothbaum—known affectionately as “Rabbi Mike”—brings over 25 years of experience in building inclusive, vibrant Jewish communities across the country, including New York, California, Massachusetts, and most recently, Georgia.
His leadership and deep pastoral presence bridges Jewish tradition with bold innovation—revitalizing prayer services, reimagining holiday celebrations, and designing transformative educational programs for learners of all ages. Whether guiding students through meaningful B’nai Mitzvah journeys or organizing community-wide social justice initiatives, Rabbi Mike is deeply committed to cultivating authentic and connected Jewish life.
“Congregation Dor Hadash is a community that understands that a synagogue is more than a building, that meaningful and transformative Jewish life happens when we wrestle honestly with our tradition, and live out our Jewish values in a country and world that so desperately needs them,” Rabbi Mike says. “I’ve been moved by the warm welcome from the Dor Hadash board and members and look forward to learning, praying, and doing justice with this special community.”
Rabbi Rothbaum is also a respected public voice on faith and justice. His writing has appeared in The Nation, Haaretz, The Forward, Sojourners, and Tikkun, and he is a frequent presenter at national Jewish learning platforms including Limmud, Hazon, and Moishe House. His leadership has been recognized by organizations such as American Jewish World Service and UJA Federation of New York for his dedication to advancing justice rooted in Jewish values.
Rabbi Rothbaum graduated from the New College of Florida, Sarasota, with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy/Economics and was ordained in 2006 by the Academy for Jewish Religion, Riverdale, NY. His husband, Anthony Mordechai Tvzi Russell, is an internationally acclaimed Yiddish vocalist.
“We are thrilled to welcome Rabbi Mike to Dor Hadash,” said Aran Tavakoli, president of Congregation Dor Hadash. “His energy, compassion, and visionary leadership will enrich every corner of our community.”
Rabbi Rothbaum’s career reflects a steadfast devotion to nurturing congregants, deepening Jewish engagement, and building coalitions that speak to the moral and spiritual core of Jewish tradition. Together, Congregation Dor Hadash and Rabbi Rothbaum embrace this next chapter with shared purpose and a commitment to evolving Jewish life.
Established in San Diego in 1983, Congregation Dor Hadash is a member of Reconstructing Judaism, the central organization for the Reconstructionist movement. The mission of Dor Hadash is to inspire exploration of Jewish spirituality and learning within a caring, inclusive, welcoming Jewish community. For more information: https://dorhadash.org.
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Preceding provided by Congregation Dor Hadash