Rabbi Chaya Gusfield

What do people call me? Chaya, Rabbi, Rabbi Chaya, Reb Chaya

Where was I ordained? ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Ritual, Philadelphia, PA

Organization Name: Kehillah Community Synagogue

Where am I located? East Bay & North Bay

Why did you become a spiritual leader and what do you love about Judaism?

Engaging in Jewish practices celebrates the joys of life and assists us in our day-to-day heartbreak. I love the creativity and passion of Jewish life. I am especially moved by the wisdom of our mourning practices and the sacred texts that guide our tradition, while maintaining the flexibility to be able to be relevant for people of many walks of life.

Are there specific populations, age groups, or folks at a certain life stage who you love working with? 

Families (all compositions), young adults, adults, elders, LGBTQI+, Jews and Jewish adjacent, people new to Judaism.

What services do I offer?

• Funerals/memorial services
• Weddings/partnership rituals
• Spiritual guidance/counseling
• New baby rituals (baby naming, covenant, etc.)
• Interfaith weddings
• Spiritual direction for individuals and groups
• Healing rituals
• Support to families with a loss due to suicide.

For more information, check out my website or email me!