Rabbi Andy Green Joins Congregation Or Tzion as Senior Rabbi
Scottsdale, Ariz. (July 1, 2021) — Congregation Or Tzion is pleased to announce that its new spiritual leader, Rabbi Andy Green, will officially begin his tenure today, July 1, 2021. Rabbi Green joins Or Tzion as senior rabbi after the sudden death of Rabbi Micah Caplan z”l just over one year ago.
Formerly associate rabbi at Congregation Beth El in Voorhees, Rabbi Green and his wife, Charlene, decided to make the move west to be closer to family, having grown up in Southern California and Nevada, respectively. Prior to joining Congregation Beth El in New Jersey, Rabbi Green was a student rabbi at Temple Beth Sholom in Las Vegas.
Rabbi Green earned his undergraduate degree in mathematics – economics from UCLA and received his Rabbinical Ordination from the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies, American Jewish University, in Los Angeles, CA. Only after working professionally in an industrial supply company, and in public policy for a number of years post graduation, did Rabbi Green realize the Rabbinate was where he truly wanted to be. “In my heart and in the back of my mind, Judaism was always the rhythm by which I lived my life,” he said.
“I am excited to be joining such a vibrant and engaged community,” says Rabbi Green, “and I look forward to guiding the congregants of Or Tzion as they discover and connect with Judaism in their own, personal way while also preserving the well-established core values of this kehilla kedosha.”
During his tenure with Congregation Beth El, Rabbi Green not only served as a spiritual leader, but also focused on community and membership engagement, youth education, adult learning, Israel action and advocacy, and fundraising and organization leadership.
“We knew through extensive congregational surveys, focus groups and phone calls that our new rabbi would need to be someone with compassion and warmth, have the ability to reach all ages of congregants, possess excellent knowledge of Torah and accept the varied levels of observance within our congregation,” stated Frank Jacobson, President of the Board of Directors of Congregation Or Tzion. “We envisioned a rabbi who would function as a spiritual guide, a teacher, a visionary leader, a worship leader and a community builder, and we are thrilled to have found that in Rabbi Andy Green.”
Rabbi Green joins with Congregation Or Tzion’s beloved cantor, Dannah Rubenstein and Rabbi Emeritus, Mark Bisman to round out the synagogue’s spiritual leadership.
Rabbi Green and his wife Charlene are parents to two boys, Archer (8 years old) and Beck (5 years old).
About Congregation Or Tzion
Congregation Or Tzion was established in May 2014 when conservative synagogues Congregation Or Chadash and Har Zion merged. Or Tzion is a unified entity of over 400 families (and growing), continuing the strong Conservative Jewish presence of both legacy congregations. Congregation Or Tzion is an egalitarian, multigenerational, participatory, family-friendly community in North Scottsdale. The synagogue is affiliated with United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ) and prides itself on offering compelling programming, innovative learning opportunities and spiritual prayer services for all ages.