Rabbi Chaim Eliezer Edelstein is a proud graduate of the 2021 class of JTS Rabbinical school, and incoming Senior Rabbi at Temple Beth Ahm in Aberdeen, NJ. The years have flown past as Rabbi Edelstein’s knowledge and understanding have grown deeper through learning with his prestigious teachers and colleagues. In tandem with his rabbinic ordination, Rabbi Edelstein completed a master's degree in Jewish Thought, concentrating in Kabbalah and Hasidic literature, and wrote his thesis on the mystical connection between ethics and cosmogony in early Hasidic commentaries on parshas Bereishis.
When not learning and teaching Torah, Rabbi Edelstein enjoys the outdoors, as well as roasting and making coffee with brewing methods from around the world.
Rabbi Edelstein and his wife, Audrey, live in Aberdeen, NJ.
Hiking in the Adirondack Mountains is a fun and often spiritual activity.
Rabbi Edelstein is an avid outdoorsman, an interest he developed as a youth in the BSA Scouting movement. He earned his Eagle Scout Award in 2007. Not afraid of a hard day’s work, Rabbi Edelstein afforded much of his undergraduate career working in a rope factory and as a part-time landscaper and handyman. These skills have carried over into his rabbinic work in surprising ways, from his love of Sukkot—what’s not to love about religiously mandated camping?—to his certification in Shechitat Ofot (Kosher slaughter of birds).
Rabbi Edelstein enjoyed being on staff for three years at Camp Ramah in the Rockies, working to provide challenging, educational, spiritual, and safe backcountry experiences for the campers. He also lead several optional educational demonstrations of Shechita for the oldest youth and staff, teaching about respect and care of animals, and the importance of Kosher meat.
R. Edelstein teaching a class on Kabbalah and Ethics for a Canadian synagogue, from his home in New York City.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Rabbi Edelstein has adapted to the platforms necessary to continue to serve the Jewish community, through tele-pastoral care and remote learning.
Rabbi Edelstein is always interested in sharing Torah, whether mystical or mussar (ethics), halachic or hasidic, and of course nature in the Hebrew Bible and spiritual traditions.