Rabbi Josh Scharff
About Josh
Rabbi Josh Scharff was ordained in November, 2024 by the Israeli Rabbinical Program at Hebrew Union College in Jerusalem.
Josh is at his best when he is sharing his passion for Judaism through education and music. In parallel with his studies, he worked at Beit Daniel, the center for Reform Judaism in Tel Aviv, where he oversaw international fundraising, tutored bar and bat mitzvah students, led services in a rabbinic and cantorial role, and was the liaison for the local youth group branch. Before pursuing a rabbinic career, Josh taught Jewish History at URJ Heller High (the North American Reform Movement’s high school in Israel), coached baseball, and served as a Campus Coordinator for The David Project, helping college students strengthen their Israel advocacy through relationship building.
Josh is proud to have prepared dozens of Israeli and American students for their bar and bat mitzvahs, and guiding numerous couples through the process leading up to as well as performing their weddings.
Josh holds a BA in History from Yale University, where he was a 4-year member of varsity baseball team, and an MA in Jewish History from The Hebrew University. Originally from St. Louis, MO, Josh is proud to have called Israel home for most of his adult life and now resides in Manhattan.
In his spare time, Josh loves to watch any baseball game (go Cardinals!), play the guitar, and engage with students on all things history.
Josh in Action
My melody for Ashrei, from the morning worship
The building and founding of Israel - Part I
The building and founding of Israel - Part 2
We couldn't have asked for a better wedding officiant than Rabbi Scharff. From start to finish he made our ceremony incredibly personal, weaving our story into a ceremony that was meaningful, heartfelt, and truly unique to us. His warmth, wisdom, and deep knowledge of tradition brought every ritual to life in a way that felt both relevant and timeless.
Beyond his role as a leader and speaker, Rabbi Scharff's beautiful singing voice and incredible ruach filled the entire experience with joy and connection. We cherished so many moments from our wedding, but it's not every day that one of the biggest highlights was the officiant. We are so grateful to have him as our rabbi and could not recommend him more highly!
Rebecca Bloom and Jacob Letwat, Chicago, IL
