Our Rabbi
A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.
Congregation Beth El, Austin, is a vibrant and diverse community that strives to enrich Jewish life through learning, worship, and social action. We are always looking for new ways to connect with our members and the wider Jewish community, and we are thrilled to announce a new addition to our leadership team: Rabbi Dan Ain.
Rabbi Ain was ordained at The Jewish Theological Seminary, where he developed a passion for making Jewish worship and community life more accessible and relevant. He has served in various leadership roles, including leading The New Shul in Manhattan and serving as Director of Tradition and Innovation at New York’s 92nd Street Y, where he gained a unique perspective on engaging the Jewish community in meaningful ways.
As the Senior Rabbi of Congregation Beth Sholom in San Francisco from 2018 to 2022, Rabbi Ain adopted a holistic approach to worship that integrated music and art, fostering a vibrant and inclusive community atmosphere. He also founded “Because Jewish”, an initiative that creates engaging Jewish experiences that resonate with contemporary life, offering unique events that have brought together diverse members of the Jewish community.
Rabbi Ain has been living in Austin with his wife, Alana Joblin Ain, co-founder of the Moontower Minyan, and their two children, Autumn and Samson, for the past 18 months. He is eager to join our congregation and share his vision of Judaism that values community, tradition, and personal growth. He also hopes to foster open and honest conversations about faith, life, and community.
We are delighted to welcome Rabbi Ain and his family to Austin and to Congregation Beth El. We look forward to learning from his inspiring leadership and engaging Jewish experiences. Together, we are excited to embark on this next chapter of our congregation’s journey, enriched by Rabbi Ain’s guidance and passion for Jewish life.