New Rabbi Practices the Art of Listening

Whether it’s how he came upon the copy of “David Copperfield” that sits in his study at the , or how his grandfather, Rabbi Louis Finkelstein attended the installation of Pope John Paul VI, there is one thing that is certain about EBJC's newest Rabbi – he can tell a good story.

It’s probably because he’s also a good listener.

Rabbi Joshua S. Finkelstein began his service to the EBJC as rabbi on Sept. 1. With 20 years of experience in the Conservative Movement, Rabbi Finkelstein knows that one secret to being a successful Rabbi is being a good listener.

“The most important quality for a rabbi is to be a good listener,” he said. “I say that I listen with a ‘third ear.’ I hear people’s joys and praise, hopes and aspirations, joys and set backs, and I hope to help them create and to find meaning in their lives.”

That ability to listen is perhaps why he’s able to relate things in ways people they find interesting, moving or that touch them personally.

Before coming to EBJC, Rabbi Finkelstein served as rabbi at Temple Emanuel of North Jersey in Franklin Lakes, and Congregation B'nai Israel in Fair Lawn. Before that he was the spiritual leader of Congregation Beth Judah in Ventnor.

Before serving at Congregation Beth Judah, Rabbi Finkelstein began his rabbinic career as the Associate Rabbi of Temple Israel Center in White Plains, N.Y. He received his ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York, and was awarded a Kohn Foundation Fellowship for the advancement of doctoral studies in the field of Midrash. He received his bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from Columbia College of Columbia University in New York and was a Visiting Lecturer at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America.

Rabbi Finkelstein is following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, both rabbis, and sees his role as that of someone who not only who listens, but who offers a hand in friendship and serves the community, not only EBJC, but all Jews and all East Brunswick residents.

“I have a sense of service to the community. I want to be involved in the community at large and in the larger Jewish Community,” he said. “I’d like to see EBJC as a place you can come.”

He said that means working with , and clergy from other churches and religions. To the rabbi, working with an area Clergy Association is one way to meet that end.

“I’ve worked with other religions and have a history with clergy associations,” he said. “I had a wonderful relationship with the Islamic community when I was in Patterson.”

Rabbi Finkelstein is a past president of the New Jersey Rabbinical Assembly and served as the Chair of the Intergroup Relations Committee of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of the UJA of Northern New Jersey. He also served on the editorial board of the Community Faith and Values section of the Bergen Record.

But one thing that sets Rabbi Finkelstein apart from others is his history. Rabbi Finkelstein comes from a long line of distinguished Rabbis. His grandfather, Rabbi Louis Finkelstein was Chancellor of the Jewish Theological Seminary. His father, Rabbi Ezra Finkelstein, retired after serving over 20 years as Rabbi of the Midway Jewish Center in Syosset, Long Island, N.Y.

So far, his own children haven’t expressed a desire to follow in their father’s footsteps. But then again, with his son only in high school, it might be too early. He also has two daughters, one in high school and antoher in middle school. 

But if his son does decide to “go into the family business,” he’ll have a good role model. The Rabbi not only works with congregants, but with students at the , located in the same building.

“I speak to the people and the students,” he said. "I want to be with people and help in difficult times.”

And for Rabbi Finkelstein, it all starts with listening.