Rabbi David Helfand is a master community builder, a passionate experiential educator, and a gifted storyteller. Rabbi David comes to Shaare Torah from the Shearith Israel community in Atlanta, GA where he served as the Engagement Rabbi. In this role, he fostered vibrant connections across all ages and stages of Jewish life. Rabbi David was the rabbinic liaison to the synagogue’s Men’s and Women’s Chevra Kadisha, a MACOM (Metro Atlanta Community Mikvah) Mikvah Guide, and a member of the Clergy Advisory Group (CAG).He has also cultivated meaningful community partnerships with organizations like Moishe House, Honeymoon Israel, Ramah Darom, and the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, where he served as a task force member of the Interfaith Connector.
An 18Doors Rukin Rabbinic Fellow, Rabbi David specializes in supporting interfaith couples and families, helping them navigate their unique Jewish journeys. His commitment to building deeper social connections has led him to create and nurture Chavurot for members, organize and send over 70 care packages to summer campers annually, and foster a thriving young professional community of more than 40 members. He teaches adult education, youth classes, and monthly Tot Shabbat, sharing his love of Judaism across generations.
Rabbi David completed his rabbinic training at the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies in Los Angeles, CA, earning a Master’s in Jewish Education alongside his ordination. During his third year of study in Israel at the Conservative Yeshiva, he met his best friend and now wife, Rebekah. Rabbi David was an AIPAC Leffell Fellow, a Hartman Clergy Student Fellow, and earned a Master’s Concentration in Israel Education from the iCenter. His hands-on training includes a 400-hour unit of Clinical Pastoral Education at Research Medical Center in Kansas City and a summer as a Spiritual Counselor at Beit T’Shuvah, a Jewish rehab and addiction center.
With a heart rooted in Jewish camping, Rabbi David spent summers at Camp Sabra as a camper and later helped launch Camp Ramah in Northern California. He also served as Program Director for Limmud North America, where he authored the curriculum for the Global Day of Jewish Learning. Rabbi David’s contributions have been widely recognized, including being named to the Atlanta Jewish Times 40 Under 40.
Outside of his professional life, he is a diehard Kansas City sports fan. When he’s not cheering on the Royals or Chiefs, he enjoys preparing delicious cholent for Shabbat guests, reading, traveling the world, or admiring what may be the greatest kippah and sock collections this side of the Mississippi.
Rabbi David and Rebekah are the proud parents of Pardes Lev and Woofsi Pup. Be prepared to learn, laugh, and deepen your love for Judaism when you connect with Rabbi David.
To be in touch with Rabbi David, please contact him here: rabbidavid@shaaretorah.org
