Shmuel Goldin

Shmuel Goldin (born 1952) is a Modern Orthodox rabbi, scholar, and author. He served as senior rabbi of Congregation Ahavath Torah in Englewood, New Jersey, from 1984 until 2017, and was president of the Rabbinical Council of America (RCA) from May 2010 to July 2013.

Early life and education Goldin was born in the Borough Park neighborhood of Brooklyn and raised in West Hempstead, New York. He attended the Brooklyn Talmudic Academy and studied at Yeshiva University’s Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary, where he received rabbinic ordination and earned a master’s degree in Jewish education. In 1984, he was appointed senior rabbi of Congregation Ahavath Torah, leading the synagogue for 33 years and expanding its educational and outreach programs.

Goldin served as president of the Rabbinical Council of America from May 2010 until July 2013.

Public positions In July 2010, Goldin was among the signatories of a Rabbinical Council of America statement calling on Orthodox communities to welcome gay and lesbian Jews and their children as full members and to oppose conversion therapy.

Goldin’s reflections on making aliyah and life in Jerusalem were featured in a 2022 interview in The Jewish Link.

Recognition Goldin was selected as one of the “Forward 50” influential Jewish leaders in 2011 by The Forward.

Personal life Goldin and his wife, Barbara, have five children. They reside in Jerusalem following his aliyah in 2017.