Rabbi David Ariel-Joel
Senior Rabbi
Rabbi David Ariel-Joel has served the congregation since 2002. He is a graduate of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Jerusalem, where he received his Master of Arts in Jewish Studies and was ordained in 1994. He received a Master of Arts in Jewish Philosophy from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 1993. His undergraduate career was spent at Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where he majored in Jewish Philosophy and graduated in 1990.
Rabbi Matt is a graduate of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati, where he received his Master of Arts in Hebrew Letters in 2021, followed by Rabbinic Ordination in 2023. He received a Master of Divinity from the Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary in 2017, where he focused on Hebrew Bible and biblical languages. His undergraduate career was spent at Nazareth College in Rochester, NY, where he majored in Religious Studies.
Rabbi Gaylia R. Rooks has served the congregation since 1988. She is a graduate of the Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati where she was ordained in 1984. She received her Master of Arts in Hebrew Letters from the Los Angeles campus of HUC, prior to which she spent a full year at the College’s Israel campus in Jerusalem. In May 2000, Rabbi Rooks received her Doctor of Ministry degree from the Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
Rabbi Joe Rooks Rapport has served the congregation since 1988. He received his Ph.D. in American Jewish History in 1988 from Washington University in St. Louis and a Master of Arts in History from the same University in 1986. Rabbi Rapport is a graduate of the Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati where he was ordained in June of 1984. He received his Master of Arts in Hebrew Letters from the Los Angeles campus of HUC, prior to which he spent a full year in Israel at the College’s campus in Jerusalem.
With deep respect and heartfelt remembrance, we honor the life and legacy of Rabbi Chester B. Diamond, who passed away on March 18, 2025, at the age of 88. A devoted spiritual leader, educator, and advocate, Rabbi Diamond’s contributions to our congregation spanned more than six decades, leaving an enduring mark on Louisville, the Reform movement, and everyone whose lives he touched.
Rabbi David
Rabbi Matt
Rabbi Rooks
Rabbi Rapport
Rabbi Diamond, z”l
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5101 US-42, Louisville, KY 40241
(502) 423-1818
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