Rabbi Michael Rascoe became our Rabbi in 2014, and made a seamless transition to our Temple family. He brought a wealth of knowledge and experience with him which has strengthened and enriched us in ways that are tangible as well as intangible. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he attended a conservative synagogue where both his parents were quite active, helping foster a strong bond with his Judaism. In college, he demonstrated his drive and dedication to the pursuit of knowledge. He received his B.A. in 1980 from Columbia University in political science, graduating concurrently from the Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS) with a B.A. in Jewish philosophy. He attended JTS for graduate school, receiving his M.A. in Jewish philosophy and becoming ordained as a rabbi in 1985. In addition, he received an honorary doctorate of divinity from JTS in November, 2011, for his many contributions and accomplishment during 25 years of service as a rabbi. Upon the occasion of his honorary doctorate, JTS wrote: “You continue to demonstrate and teach the transformational powers of Judaism as you touch the lives of many different communities, championing ethical behavior in all aspects of life.”

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