Rabbi Adrianne Pasternak
Associate Director
- rabbiadrianne@tzedekamerica.org
“Some of the most meaningful learning happens when we step outside the classroom and encounter people, places, and stories firsthand. Creating experiences that invite learners of all ages to listen deeply, wrestle with complicated issues, build radical empathy, and explore how Jewish values can inspire us to engage more thoughtfully and meaningfully with the world around us is what I love most about my work at Tzedek America..”
Rabbi Adrianne Pasternak
Associate Director
- adrianne@tzedekamerica.org
Experience
Rabbi Adrianne began her career in the early childhood classroom as a teacher and then assistant director before earning her Master’s degree in education. She served as an assistant Religious School director and spent 13 years as a Director of Education, directing both a supplemental religious school and early childhood center. Rabbi Adrianne is widely known for her innovative and creative experiential curricula and outside-the-box programming for students ages 18 months through 12th grade and their families. Rabbi Adrianne also facilitates adult education, art classes, and family retreats. She serves as an Outdoor Classroom consultant and teaches school administrators how to grow their communities, build strong long-term relationships and optimize learning potential.
In 2020 the world changed, and Rabbi Adrianne welcomed this opportunity to expand her knowledge and skills by becoming a certified birth and postpartum doula. She now helps expectant parents prepare for birth and beyond, calling on her three decades of experience as an educator and caregiver to nurture new families.
As a spiritual leader, Rabbi Adrianne officiates life cycle events and creative rituals grounded in Jewish tradition, provides pastoral care, and leads health and wellness workshops. She fosters strong relationships and helps others renew and reinvigorate their connection to Judaism in personal and meaningful ways.
Education and Training
Rabbi Adrianne holds Bachelor’s degrees in Jewish Studies, and Hebrew Literature, and a Master’s degree in Education (MaED) from American Jewish University and received semicha from ALEPH. She is a certified birth and postpartum doula.
Professional Service
Rabbi Adrianne served for two years as co-chair of the Los Angeles Bureau of Jewish Education (BJE) Principal’s Council and was elected to the board of the Jewish Educators Assembly where she served as a trustee for over 5 years. She is a graduate of the Mandel Teacher Educator Institute (MTEI), was a 2013 PresenTenseLA Fellow, and a member of the 2019-2020 cohort of the Jewish Early Childhood Education Leadership Institute (JECELI). She also holds teaching certificates from Moving Traditions, Facing History and Ourselves, and Rhythm and Ruach.