Dennis J. Eisner, Senior Rabbi
Rabbi Dennis J. Eisner is the Senior Rabbi 
of Peninsula Temple Beth El. Rabbi Eisner brings his strong background in spiritual and pastoral guidance, Jewish
communal work, youth programming, informal education, social action, and leadership development to his role
at PTBE.
Rabbi Eisner was ordained at HUC-JIR/New York in 1998 and holds a Master of Arts degree in Hebrew Letters and a Master of Arts in Jewish Communal Service.
Rabbi Eisner has served as the Associate Rabbi at Wilshire Boulevard Temple in Los Angeles, Assistant Dean of the Los Angeles School of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. While at HUC-JIR Rabbi Eisner also served as Director of the Berit Mila Board of Reform Judaism and the National Organization of American Mohalim/ot. He was the Director of the Junior and High School Programs and NFTY for the Union for Reform Judaism and was Assistant Director of the URJ's Department of Synagogue Management.
Rabbi Eisner is married to Mandy Eisner and they are both proud parents of their son Maxwell Solomon and daughter Sadie Rose.
 Rabbi Karen S. Citrin, Rabbi/EducatorRabbi Citrin joined Peninsula Temple Beth El after being ordained in 2003 from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Los Angeles. She also holds a master's degree in Jewish Education from HUC-JIR. Rabbi Karen directs our
K-6 education including Sunday School, Hebrew School, and our new Gesher family experience.
Originally from Belmont, Massachusetts, Rabbi Karen spent many summers in Jewish summer camp and taught extensively in congregational schools and Jewish day schools. Following the teaching from Pirkei Avot, she believes that we strengthen our community through ongoing study, uplifting worship, and acts of loving kindness. Rabbi Karen is committed to helping people engage in Jewish experiences that are enriching and meaningful throughout their lives.
Rabbi Karen enjoys learning and teaching, Jewish music, strong coffee, and being outdoors in the beautiful Bay Area. She is married to Rabbi Micah Citrin and they are blessed with twin sons.
Kolenu Articles, Sermons, Lessons and Writings
Rabbi Micah J. Citrin, Rabbi/Educator
Ra bbi Micah Citrin directs 7th-12th grade education programs, as well as youth and family retreats at PTBE. In addition to rabbinic ordination from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, Rabbi Micah holds a Master's degree in Jewish Education (MAJE) from HUC-JIR's Rhea Hirsch School of Education.
With many years of experience in Jewish camping and informal education, Rabbi Micah brings a passion for building Jewish community, especially among youth. Rabbi Micah enjoys teaching Jewish text, leading worship, encouraging Jews to learn Hebrew, and facilitating meaningful Jewish experiences in the outdoors. Being a teacher is at the foundation of Rabbi Micah's rabbinate.
Rabbi Micah has served as an associate rabbi at Congregation Beth Am in Los Altos Hills, California, and as Director of Community Life and Learning at Kehillah Jewish High School in Palo Alto, California. In addition to Judaism, Rabbi Micah's passions include playing guitar, singing, running, being outdoors, and listening to music. Rabbi Micah is married to Rabbi Karen Citrin, and is the father of twin boys.
 Elana Jagoda, Cantorial Soloist
Elana has been working as an early childhood music specialist and Jewish music educator in the Bay Area since graduating from UC Santa Cruz. Elana is in her third year teaching at Beth El. Elana was part of the team that brought beautiful and varied music styles to our worship services this past year. Elana Jagoda returned to the bimah this year to lead the contemporary services on Erev Rosh Hashanah and Kol Nidre.
|
