Welcome Rabbi Almog

יוצר אור ובורא חושך עושה שלום ובורא את הכל...

“… who fashions the light and creates the darkness, makes peace and creates everything.” - The Siddur

I am honored and excited to introduce myself as the incoming Rabbi of Congregation Anshe Emeth. I write this letter thinking about the verse from Isaiah 45:7 where God explains, “I fashion light and create the darkness…” The Jewish community, both globally and here in Hudson, has experienced times of light and times of darkness. This past January, we lost Rabbi Daniel Fried, z”l, who served CAE faithfully for forty years and oversaw some of the most vibrant periods in Anshe Emeth’s history. He left big shoes to fill at a time of darkness, when many of us need Jewish community support more than ever. I am humbled by the opportunity to follow in his footsteps while working together with you to find new directions to help our community grow.

 A bit about my background: I was ordained by YCT Rabbinical School in 2005 and have served in various rabbinic capacities, including campus rabbi at Columbia University and teaching future clergy at the Academy for Jewish Religion in New York. I am also finishing a PhD in Rabbinic Texts at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. I am married to Lisa, a highly accomplished Jewish educator, and together we are blessed with two wonderful children.

My journey through multiple Jewish circles has provided me with the opportunity to learn from Jews of all denominations, from Hassidic masters to human rights activists. These opportunities have deeply shaped my approach to Jewish life and leadership. I am passionate about making Judaism relevant and meaningful for our contemporary, diverse community. Whether through innovative approaches to tefillah (prayer), teaching Jewish texts, leading Jewish meditation or enjoying Hudson’s local scene, my goal is to foster a vibrant and inclusive community where everyone feels valued and connected.

Returning to the verse from Isaiah 45:7, the next phrase literally translates as “I make peace and create what is bad,” but the siddur changes it in the morning service to “I make peace and create everything.” While there are a few reasons for changing the verse, I like to think that, in our prayers and actions, whether in times of light or times of darkness, we do so with the hope that peace will prevail and that we can all experience good things. That is my prayer for Congregation Anshe Emeth and my kavvanah (intention) in my commitment to serve as your rabbi.

I know I can’t do this alone. That’s why I am eager to meet each of you and hear your stories, hopes, and ideas for our community. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions, thoughts, or simply to introduce yourself. You can call me at (518) 945-8844 or e-mail me at caerabbi@gmail.com. Together, we can continue to grow and strengthen our community.

With warmest regards,

Rabbi David Almog