Rabbi Don Goor: American Jewish Identity and Dissent

What defines American Jewish identity? Join Rabbi Goor in a searching discussion on politics and the pulpit. Rabbi Donald Goor, Rabbi Emeritus of Temple Judea Tarzana, California, currently serves as Rabbinic Liaison at ARZA World Travel in Jerusalem and as Campus Rabbi at the Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion in Jerusalem. Rabbi Goor grew up in San Diego, California, as the son of a rabbi. He graduated the University of California at Berkeley with honors and distinction. In 1987, he was ordained at the Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion in New York. Rabbi Goor then joined Temple Judea where he remained for 27 years serving as Senior Rabbi. During his time in Los Angeles, Rabbi Goor served on the faculty of Hebrew Union College where he taught second and fifth year rabbinic students, addressing topics that relate to the practical aspects of being in the clergy. Rabbi Goor continues his own studies at the Hartman Institute in Jerusalem as a fellow in the Center for Rabbinic Enrichment Program. He co-founded the HOPE Network, the Valley Interfaith Council’s Homeless Project. He has chaired the “Jewish Federation/Valley Alliance’s Jewish Community Relations Council,” and co-chaired the Jewish Federation’s “Cults and Missionaries Commission.” After completing a course of studies he received the honor of being a Fellow at the Hartman Institute in Jerusalem. In July of 2013, Rabbi Goor and his husband, Cantor Evan Kent, fulfilled a life dream and made Aliyah. In Jerusalem he serves on the boards of Shutaf, an informal education program for kids with special needs, and the David Forman Foundation for Social Justice.