Rabbi Matan Peled
Rabbi Matan Peled, a native of Israel, became the spiritual leader of Congregation Shalom B’Harim in November 2024. Known for his warmth, energy, and compassionate presence, Rabbi Matan brings a deep love of Jewish learning, chaplaincy, community, and tradition to his role.
With an engaging personality and a passion for teaching, Rabbi Matan strives to make Judaism accessible, relevant, and meaningful for all generations. He believes that Judaism should inspire and uplift, offering moments of connection, discovery, and joy. “If Judaism doesn’t enrich lives,” he says, “people will seek other ways to find meaning. My mission is to help people find their ‘wow moments’ and community within Jewish life. I believe that we should all be there for one another and support one another throughout all aspects of life.
Rabbi Matan holds a degree in Jewish Studies from Gratz College (2008) and received his Master of Arts in Hebrew Letters along with rabbinic ordination (s’micha) from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in 2016. He is a member of both MARAM—the Israeli Council of Progressive Rabbis—and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association.
His experience spans congregational leadership and Jewish education, both in Israel and the United States. After living in Israel for several years with his family, Rabbi Matan returned to the U.S. in 2023 to continue his work in Jewish community building. He shares his life with his wife, Cantor Jennifer Peled, their twin children, Noam and Shai, and their beloved Labradoodle, Finn, and Aussiedoodle, Izzy.