Rabbi Nancy Myers - Spiritual Leader of Temple Beth David

Temple Beth David of Orange County

Meet Rabbi Nancy Rita Myers

Rabbi Nancy Rita Myers brings her love of Jewish traditions, prayer, and community to her spiritual leadership of Temple Beth David. She values the collaboration and communication between lay leadership, congregation members, staff, and rabbi in creating a synagogue where people feel valued, cared about, and committed to Jewish learning and to living Jewish lives.

Rabbi Myers is a native of Buffalo, New York. She attended Hebrew Union College-Jewish Insitute of Religion in New York City, and was ordained as a rabbi in 1997.

The rabbi served as Associate Rabbi at Temple Chai in Long Grove, IL from 1997 through 2003, during which she shared in performing all rabbinic duties. She has officiated throughout the spectrum of lifecycle events, including births, b'nai mitzvah ceremonies, marriages, and funerals.

Rabbi Myers has an uncanny ability to work with children and adults of all ages. She has an excellent record with youth programs and is a capable innovator and a warm and enthusiastic leader. She has taught the confirmation class and an Introduction to Judaism course at Emanuel Congregation in Chicago, and also led High Holiday Services at Temple Beth Am in Williamsville, NY.

She was recently the Community Coordinator of Emerging Leaders - a group that brings together Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, and Greek Orthodox youth to foster understanding and tolerance in the wake of September 11.

As an energetic leader of adult education, "I see myself as both a teacher and a student, and I value the contributions of the many people I converse with", says Rabbi Myers. "I love delving deeper into our people's ancient teachings and anlyzing how they speak to us today. One of the greatest things about our tradition is our ability to question and challenge ideas. The Torah is replete with so many stories and subjects that beg us to interact, argue, and discuss."

Rabbi Myers recently moved to California, and now resides in Orange County. She and husband Paul Prunty have two children - daughter Gabriel (Gabri) is age 5 and son Shane is 3.

Rabbi Myers would be delighted to answer your questions about our synagogue, Jewish community, or religious practices. You can send a question to the rabbi via e-mail through the temple office.

We'd also love for you to visit Temple Beth David and meet Rabbi Myers. Join us any Friday evening for Shabbat services or call the temple office at (714) 892-6623 to make an appointment.