Rabbi Yosef Kanefsky was ordained in 1989 at Yeshiva University, from where he also received a Master’s Degree in Jewish History. He began his rabbinic career in 1990, as the associate Rabbi at the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale, New York, where he worked under the tutelage of Rabbi Avi Weiss. He came to B’nai David – Judea Congregation in the summer of 1996. During his tenure, he has helped B’nai David – Judea emerge as a voice of creativity and innovation within Orthodoxy, and as a vital link between the Orthodox community and the larger Los Angeles Jewish community. He has helped to introduce changes in synagogue ritual and leadership intended to enhance the role of women in Orthodox life, and has established social action as a central dimension of the congregation’s activity.

He is a past president of the Board of Rabbis of Southern California, and of the International Rabbinic Fellowship.

Rabbi Kanefsky is married to Sari Abrams, who is the Director of Parent and Child Education at the Pressman Academy, and they have 3 wonderful sons, two wonderful daughters-in-law, and three delicious grandchildren.