The Changing Face of the Rabbinate: A Discussion with Rabbi Dan Ross - Seekers of Meaning 5/1/2026
On this week's episode of the Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast, Rabbi Dan Ross, director of alumni engagement at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, discusses the current crisis in rabbinic recruitment, exploring the changing face of the rabbinate, and sharing insights from his research on what draws people to become rabbis. Rabbi Ross suggests practical solutions, the importance of mentorship, and ways to inspire the next generation of Jewish leaders.
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About the Guest
Rabbi Daniel S. Ross
Rabbi Dan Ross is honored to serve his alma mater as the Director of Alumni Engagement. Prior to his return to Hebrew Union College, Rabbi Ross served as a rabbi at Central Synagogue and the Senior Jewish Educator at the Joseph Slifka Center for Jewish Life at Yale.
Currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry at Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute of Religion, Rabbi Ross was ordained in 2018 from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York where he was a Wexner Graduate Fellow. During his studies, he received awards for his achievements in Hebrew, liturgy, homiletics, and ecumenical studies. While in rabbinical school, he served for three years as rabbinic intern at Columbia/Barnard Hillel and for two years as student rabbi at Temple Beth Ha-Sholom in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. He also completed a summer chaplaincy internship at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York.
Originally from Merion Station, Pennsylvania, Rabbi Ross graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in history and science, technology, and society. After graduating, he served for two years as a Teach For America corps member in Prince George’s County, Maryland, teaching 7th grade social studies while earning a Master of Arts in Teaching from American University. Following the Corps, Rabbi Ross worked for two years at the Advisory Board Company, a health-care research and consulting firm based in DC.
Rabbi Ross is married to Rabbi Jade Sank Ross ’18, who is an Associate Rabbi at the Community Synagogue in Port Washington, Long Island. They live in Forest Hills, Queens with their daughters Adina and Bella and their dog Rashi.
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