Founded in 1988, Beit Chaverim has been a beacon of Jewish life in Westport for over three decades. Nestled among the sailboats along the stunning Connecticut shoreline, Beit Chaverim Synagogue stands as a unique gem. Upon entering the “House of Friends,” you are enveloped in an atmosphere of warmth and inclusivity, where strangers greet you with open arms and, by the end of services, you feel connected to the enthusiasm radiated by both the rabbi and the congregants.
Rabbi Joshua Rosenfeld, who began his tenure this summer, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for Jewish education to his role at Beit Chaverim. He also serves as the head of Judaic studies and rav beit sefer at Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy of Connecticut. His previous positions include assistant rabbi at Lincoln Square Synagogue in New York City and middle school principal at Manhattan Day School.
Rabbi Rosenfeld holds a bachelor’s degree with honors from Yeshiva University, where he was a Wilf Family Scholar. He also earned a master’s degree from the Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration and received his rabbinical ordination from the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary. Additionally, he holds a certificate in school leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Beyond his academic achievements, Rabbi Rosenfeld’s experiences reflect a deep commitment to both Jewish learning and Jewish communal service. He studied for two years at Yeshivat HaKotel in Jerusalem and served as a lone soldier in the Israel Defense Forces’ 605th Combat Engineers unit during the Second Lebanon War. This unique combination of Torah study and military service demonstrates Rabbi Rosenfeld’s multifaceted dedication to Am Yisrael.
Rabbi Rosenfeld’s vision for Beit Chaverim aligns well with the synagogue’s history of inclusivity and commitment to Jewish education. In his previous roles, he has shown a particular interest in bridging the gap between community learning and formal education. His plans for Beit Chaverim include initiatives such as weekly learning opportunities, expanded youth groups on Shabbat and bar and bat mitzvah tutoring. These enhancements, combined with the shul’s fully-catered luncheon every Shabbat, are a cornerstone of the Beit Chaverim experience.
Beit Chaverim has a rich history of rabbinic leadership that has shaped its growth and character over the years. Past spiritual leaders include Rabbi David Kalb, Rabbi Chaim Strauchler and Rabbi Yossi Pollack, each of whom contributed to the synagogue’s development in unique ways. Most recently, Rabbi Greg Wall (“The Jazz Rabbi”) served as the synagogue’s spiritual leader for over 11 years, overseeing a period of significant growth and expansion. Under Rabbi Wall’s leadership, Beit Chaverim introduced Westport’s first Orthodox daily minyan as well as various Jewish-themed community activities like the “Holy Smokes” barbecue team, “Holy Rollers” bicycle riding group, Talmud at Sea, weekly learning on a congregant’s sailboat, Floating Torah Tours (annual sailing, fishing and scuba diving trips to the Caribbean), and Oneg Shabbat services on the beach overlooking the picturesque Long Island sound.
More recently, Beit Chaverim expanded on to a new campus in 2023, housing the first ever mikvah in town. The beautiful, state-of-the art-building offers multiple gathering spaces, a beit midrash, kosher kitchen, a robust bar with microbrews on tap, and a new patio with gardens, which is sure to be one of the largest sukkahs in Fairfield county! (Debuting Sukkot 2025.)
As Rabbi Rosenfeld steps into his new role, he joins a congregation with a strong foundation and a commitment to Jewish values. The synagogue offers a wide range of programs and services, including adult education classes, weekly youth and family activities, and community outreach initiatives. With Rabbi Rosenfeld’s expertise in Jewish education and his vision for community engagement, Beit Chaverim is poised to enter an exciting new chapter in its history.
Rabbi Rosenfeld, his wife, Chani, and their children Sofie, Noa, Judah and Elijah are excited to join the Beit Chaverim community. As the synagogue welcomes its new spiritual leader, it looks forward to continued growth, enhanced educational offerings, and a strengthened sense of community.
For more information about Beit Chaverim Synagogue and its programs, please visit www.beitchaverim.com (http://www.beitchaverim.com/) or contact the synagogue office at 203.227.3333
Julianne Katz is a 2024-2025 Emerson Fellow from the University of Connecticut and a former Jewish Link intern.
