Rabbi Ethan Seidel

Our Rabbi

Ethan Seidel has been the rabbi at Tifereth Israel since 1992.  He is a graduate of the Jewish Theological Seminary, and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics, and a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from Oberlin College.

Rabbi Seidel is a man of diverse interests.  He is devoted to personal study and to teaching others, setting aside time each day to expanding his own knowledge of Jewish texts and commentaries, and to identifying ways to make them accessible to his congregants.

He is also an accomplished musician.  He sings and plays the piano, and continues to compose his own melodies for the liturgy.  He writes and performs original plays to enhance our understanding of Torah.

Rabbi Seidel takes his pastoral duties very seriously, providing time for personal counseling, and visiting the sick.  He is a committed mentor to those undergoing conversion to Judaism, training a number of conversion candidates every year.

He is also an enthusiastic biker, a juggler, a unicyclist, a gardener, a baker of breads and traditional Jewish pastries, and a hiker, who loves to wander through Rock Creek Park on a Shabbat afternoon identifying wildflowers and butterflies.

He is married to Rachel Breslow Seidel, and they are the parents of three young adult children.

If you are considering membership and want to speak with Rabbi Seidel directly he can be reached by calling (202) 882-1605 x102. He would be happy to speak with you!

The Rabbi's Writings and Audio Offerings

For more insight into Rabbi Seidel’s interests and ideas, read his vision for TI, and download his Drashe (and MP3 files of services), as well as his columns in our monthly newsletter, The Menorah.