Rabbi brings gift of teaching to Temple Solel

Not all rabbis will quote Mick Jagger or Bob Dylan in a sermon.

However, Rabbi Jeffrey Salkin, the new spiritual leader at Temple Solel of Hollywood since Aug. 1, has built up a national following by writing twelve books and having a blog he writes on contemporary topics titled “Martini Judaism for those who want to be shaken and stirred.”

“I am fond of Bob Dylan’s music. I am particularly devoted to the music of Leonard Cohen, who writes songs that reflect a deep sense of Jewish spirituality,” said Salkin.

“It’s not just Jewish rock musicians. I greatly appreciate that the Rolling Stones played a concert in Tel Aviv this past year. Mick Jagger even spoke Hebrew to the audience. Good for the Stones for defying the cultural boycott of Israel.”

“I am honored to work at Temple Solel because it is a multi-generational community. I have discovered a deep hunger and interest in learning. My job is to continually try to light and fan those flames,” said Salkin.

“We are thrilled to have Rabbi Salkin as our senior rabbi,” said Joseph Stadlen, president of Temple Solel. “His enthusiasm, spirit and approach to teaching will resonate well with our congregation and we look forward to continued learning of the Jewish religion through his wisdom, knowledge and experience.”

Salkin’s range of topics written is broad, with articles written on masculinity and Judaism, spirituality of work, interfaith relations, Jewish history with articles published in “Washington Post,” “The Wall Street Journal,” “Readers Digest” and “The Forward.”

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