Sheldon Harr

Dr. Sheldon J. Harr has been the senior Rabbi of Temple Kol Ami since 1976, serving the Congregation practically since its inception. He is a native of Youngstown, Ohio. Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Cincinnati, he went on to graduate work at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts Degrees in Hebrew Letters, ultimately leading to Rabbinic Ordination. He later earned his Doctor of Ministry Degree from Emory University in Atlanta, and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree from Hebrew Union College in 1998.

Rabbi Harr has been very active in national Jewish activities, among which include leading the National Rabbinic Cabinet of Jewish National Fund, serving on numerous national commissions and boards (including the Boards of the Central Conference of American Rabbis and ARZA/World Union North America) and conducting seminars and programs at national conventions of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations and the CCAR. Locally, he has served as president of the Southeast Region of the CCAR, and has been a member of the boards of the Jewish Federation, The Jewish Family and Children’s Service, and many other organizations.

On a communal level, Rabbi Harr currently serves as a member of the board of directors of the Broward Partnership for the Homeless and has been actively involved with the School Board of Broward County. He has served as president of the West Broward Religious Leaders Fellowship and a vice-chair of the Urban League, among his many community activities. Prior to serving as rabbi of Temple Kol Ami, he was the assistant rabbi of Temple Israel of West Palm Beach. As a student he served pulpits in Monessen, Pennsylvania; Towson, Maryland; Brookhaven, Mississippi, and Youngstown, Ohio. Rabbi Harr is married to Fern (Katz), and is the father to his adult son Bryan and his late daughter Elizabeth.

Rabbi Harr can be reached directly at 954.472.1988 or via email at [email protected].

He looks forward to hearing from you!