Rabbi Jonathan Klein

Rabbi Jonathan Klein has a diverse work experience, ranging from leadership positions in various organizations to teaching and community organizing roles. Rabbi Jonathan is currently serving as the Rabbi at Temple Beth El in Bakersfield, where they are dedicated to building a strong Jewish community. In addition, Rabbi Klein teaches online Judaica and Hebrew classes at Bakersfield College, aiming to bring Jewish studies to a wider audience. Rabbi Jonathan is the Founder and Director of FAITH ACTION FOR ALL, a nonprofit organization focused on promoting community engagement. Rabbi Klein has also held the position of Rabbinic Chair at Jewish Veg, advocating for plant-based diets within the Jewish community. Furthermore, they have worked as a Canvass Director at Zero Week Solutions and served as the Executive Director and Board Secretary at HOPE for All, an organization dedicated to helping individuals prosper economically. Previously, Rabbi Klein held the role of Executive Director at Beth Chayim Chadashim (BCC), a progressive synagogue. Rabbi Jonathan has also been involved in political activism as a Delegate for the California Democratic Party. Earlier in their career, Rabbi Klein served as the Executive Director of Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice (CLUE), where they worked to secure good jobs and fair treatment for the working poor. Rabbi Jonathan gained community organizing experience and fundraising skills as the Community Organizing and Campaign Coordinator and Interim Development Director at the now-defunct Progressive Jewish Alliance. Throughout their career, Rabbi Jonathan Klein has demonstrated a commitment to social justice, community engagement, and promoting Jewish expression.

Rabbi Jonathan Klein's education history is as follows:

Rabbi Jonathan completed their Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in History at the University of California, Los Angeles from 1987 to 1992.

From 1992 to 1995, they pursued their Masters of Arts in Hebrew Letters at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Los Angeles.

In May 1992, they obtained their Rabbinic Ordination from Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion, where they were ordained as a rabbi.

Rabbi Jonathan further augmented their education by obtaining an honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity in Religion/Religious Studies from Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion in 2022.