Rabbinic Search

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) | Meet our Candidates | Assistant Rabbi Search - YouTube

As we honor Rabbi Steve Morgen’s nearly three decades of dedicated service, we embark on the important journey of selecting a new Assistant Rabbi to continue his legacy. Rabbi Morgen has profoundly impacted our congregation through his leadership in adult education, conversion programs, and interfaith initiatives. His wisdom, humor, and unwavering commitment to Jewish values have inspired countless individuals and strengthened our community.

Upcoming Candidate Visits:

• Nico Losorelli: January 24–26
• Alex Friedman: February 7–9

Your input is vital! Attend services, meet the candidates, and share your feedback through post-visit surveys. Together, we will shape the future of Beth Yeshurun while celebrating the remarkable career of Rabbi Morgen.

Please refer to the FAQs below for more information. If you have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly.

Rabbi Brian Strauss, Senior Rabbi
Lori Herzog, President
Dana Katz, Search Committee Chair

Nico Losorelli

Upcoming Visit: Friday, January 24^th - Sunday, January 26^th

Nico Losorelli is a senior rabbinical student at the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies in Los Angeles. Originally from California, he holds a bachelor’s degree in music from UC Berkeley, focusing on Opera and Early Music, with a touch of musical theater. Before beginning his rabbinical studies, Nico worked in television production, including two years as Jim Carrey’s second assistant on Showtime’s Kidding. His passion lies in creating meaningful Jewish communities, meeting people wherever they are on their Jewish journeys, and deepening engagement with prayer. Having lived, studied, and volunteered extensively in Israel, Nico’s commitment to Kol Yisrael arevim zeh b’zeh—“All of Israel are responsible for one another”—was further galvanized by recent events in Israel. An alumnus of the AIPAC Leffell Rabbinic Fellowship, he continues to advocate for fostering connections with Israel. Nico lives in Los Angeles with his fiancé, Eli Shavalian, and enjoys movies, outdoor adventures, and exploring new places. In his free time, you’ll likely find him at a coffee shop with a book on history, halakha, or sci-fi.

Alex Friedman

Upcoming Visit: Friday, February 7^th - Sunday, February 9^th

Alex Friedman is a senior Rabbinical student at the Jewish Theological Seminary and a native Texan. He grew up in Austin, beginning his Jewish journey at Congregation Agudas Achim, where he developed a deep love for Torah and Jewish music. He later served as the High Holiday hazzan at Congregation Agudas Achim in San Antonio, guiding Jews in forging connections with God and their community through melodic and moving worship. A passionate teacher of tradition, Alex delights in helping adults and children find themselves in sacred texts. Alex holds a BA in Politics and Near Eastern and Judaic Studies from Brandeis University, where he helped revitalized the Conservative Minyan and procured a $25,000 grant to renovate the university's Jewish Chapel. He has served as a student rabbi in Austin, Texas; Glen Rock, New Jersey; and West Hartford, Connecticut; as a camp counselor at Ramah Berkshires; and as a chaplain at The New Jewish Home in New York City. He has worked with college students in Israel and the US as Rabbinic Intern for both Nativ and Brandeis Hillel. A writing fellow for ExploringJudaism.org, the online home of the Conservative movement, Alex regularly publishes articles on Jewish life and meaning.  Alex enjoys cooking, podcasts, Jewish music and niggunim, queer Torah, and collecting owl tchotchkes. He is driven by a love of Torah, music, and the Jewish people.