Rabbi Jonathan Roos is the senior rabbi at Temple Sinai in Washington, D.C. Jon believes that being part of the congregation should change a person’s life. He strives to make a difference through teaching and learning with students of all ages, audacious social justice work, pastoral care, and meaningful worship.

He was ordained at Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion in 2002, and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Maryland. He is a member of the Central Conference of American Rabbis and previously served congregations in Tinton Falls, New Jersey, and Albany, New York. Jon’s love for Judaism and Jewish community is founded on his family’s deep involvement in his childhood temple, great experiences in his youth group, and many amazing summers at Camp Bauercrest in Amesbury, Massachussetts. He credits an Episcopal priest as being the first person to suggest he become a rabbi. Jon is currently a member of the Institute for Jewish Spirituality’s Clergy Leadership Program and is learning to sing, meditate, and bring a more mindful and embodied joy to worship and his own spiritual practice.

Jon was a fellow in the Chautauqua Institution’s Interfaith New Clergy Program in 2009 and recalls, “The program had a lasting impact on my theological development and understanding of interfaith relationships and engagement. I am grateful and eager to return to Chautauqua in the chaplaincy role and quite honored to be able to preach and worship with the unique Chautauqua community once again.”