Walls are coming down in the Jewish community – walls that divide people, that is.
“As time goes on, many diverse groups are working together,” says Rabbi Yossi Bryski, who was educated through the Chabad movement and in November became rabbi of the Orthodox congregation Young Israel of Phoenix.
He says Chabad encourages a lifetime of outreach work, a goal that is a good fit for his new role at Young Israel.
“Any person at any level of Jewish involvement can walk in and feel comfortable in Young Israel,” says Rabbi Bryski. “They receive a warm welcome from the congregation, and from me they receive whatever guidance they want at that point in their life. We have Orthodox as an objective, but it’s just an option for the person walking in.”
According to Young Israel Vice President in Charge of Outreach Jordan Rockowitz, “The Young Israel of Phoenix mission is to enable any Jew in the Phoenix area to explore their faith at their own pace without judgment, connect with their 3,000-year heritage through exciting classes and events, and know that when they come to Young Israel, as much as we are a house of worship, we’re a community that celebrates with you during times of joy and lifts you up during the difficult times. We want everyone who comes here to consider it as their home away from home.”
The rabbi exudes enthusiasm for outreach and talks warmly about connecting with people on a one-on-one basis.
“I don’t label myself or you,” he says. “I am connecting with you. There is no need to measure. I don’t believe G-d does that or that we need to do that to each other.”
In addition to personal connections, the rabbi and his wife, Shterni, also offer programs designed to make people feel at ease. For instance Shterni offers a Babyccino program that is similar to Mommy & Me classes but revolves around the moms. “It’s about catering to their comfort level and ensuring this is something they will enjoy,” says Shterni, adding that the important element of Babyccino “is the laid-back, chilled-out attitude. … this class is about the moms.”
Rabbi Yossi and Shterni Bryski married in 2002. They currently have four children: Chaya, 11; Menachem, 8; Yudi, 5; and Rivka, 2.
In March of 2005, the Bryskis tragically lost their first son. Since then Rabbi Bryski has drawn on profound mystical sources, as well as his personal experiences with tragedy and grief, to provide inspiring and motivating insights into Judaism’s fundamental concepts of faith and trust. Prior to becoming the rabbi at Young Israel, he traveled nationally to lecture. He still provides programs and counseling on grief in Arizona and California.
The Bryskis moved to Scottsdale in 2007 as directors of Adult Education at the Jewish Learning Center of Chabad. Rabbi Bryski also has taught at various schools in the community including Shalom Montessori, Shearim Girls High School, Phoenix Hebrew Academy and Pardes Jewish Day School.
Now the Bryskis look forward to welcoming people to their new congregation.
“For us it is a journey,” says Rabbi Bryski. “Our product is Torah – we just put it out where they can taste it. We just need the chance to get together.”
Rockowitz says the Bryskis are a natural fit for Young Israel. “We wanted a rabbi with a demonstrable love for all Jews, a fire in the belly for Judaism and an ability to ignite that spark in others. We were blessed to have found all of those attributes in both Rabbi and Rebbetzin Bryski.
