Rabbi Jason Nevarez is proud to serve as the Senior Rabbi of Beth Israel, where he brings a passion for rehumanizing community, immersive learning, and strengthening Jewish life across generations. Deeply committed to building bridges throughout the region, he currently serves as President of the San Diego Board of Rabbis and Cantors, on the board of Jewish Family Service of San Diego and the Steering Committee of Faith Leaders of San Diego, a member of the President’s Council of Hebrew Union College, and an inaugural advisory board member to both the LGBTQA+ Jewish Coalition Of San Diego County and The Finest Community Coalition. His leadership reflects his belief that the synagogue’s sacred work must extend far beyond its walls – into the broader civic, multifaith, and justice-minded fabric of the city.
Rabbi Nevarez’s rabbinate is rooted in connection, innovation, and global engagement. His efforts have taken him across Israel and Latin America for outreach, educational initiatives, and social-impact work. He is committed to creating learning environments where people of all ages can deepen their Jewish identity, engage in courageous conversations, and experience spiritual growth. He works closely with individuals and families through pastoral counseling, life-cycle moments, and spiritual guidance, helping them navigate life’s complexity with authenticity and compassion.
Originally from New York City, Rabbi Nevarez is a proud graduate of the Bronx High School of Science and the University of Michigan. He was ordained at Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion in New York in 2006, where he earned Master’s degrees in Hebrew Literature and Religious Education and received multiple academic prizes and scholarships in Jewish education. Before coming to San Diego, he served for 17 years at Temple Shaaray Tefila in Bedford, NY, following formative roles as a Youth Director in Connecticut and Michigan and as a Regional Director for NFTY.
He is an alum of UJA-NY’s Inaugural Rabbinic Fellowship for Visionary Leaders, a past Chair of the Northern Westchester Interfaith Council, Executive Committee member of the Westchester Board of Rabbis, and a past Board member of Bedford 2030, an organization dedicated to reducing carbon emissions and preserving natural resources.
Rabbi Nevarez lives in Carmel Valley with his wife, and partner in all things, Nicole, and has two ever-evolving teens, Ethan and Sophie. He is a lifelong New York Yankees fan who also cheers for the Padres, his adopted hometown team – proof that even rabbis can hold complex loyalties and survive the emotional rollercoaster of baseball season!