Danielle Upbin

Rabbi Danielle Upbin is originally from New York City. She graduated with honors from Barnard College, Columbia University, with a BA in Political Science and Minor in Theater. Rabbi Upbin was ordained from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America in 2002 also having received a Masters in Hebrew Letters. Upon ordination, she received awards in homiletics and in writings on the Middle East peace process. Rabbi Upbin has lived and studied in Israel, including a year of intensive study in Jewish mysticism, Hasidism and art in Jerusalem and Tzefat. Rabbi Upbin served as rabbinic intern at Makor/Steinhardt Center of the 92nd Street Y in New York City and at The Old Westbury Hebrew Congregation on Long Island. She was also a chaplain in the Disaster Services for the Red Cross after 9/11 in New York City. In addition to her rabbinic studies, Rabbi Upbin is a professionally trained singer and a past member of the Screen Actors Guild. Leading Jewish prayer in a joyous and soulful manner is one of Rabbi Upbin's passions. She has served as rabbi-in-resident at numerous Conservative congregations around the country, teaching about prayer and leading services. Currently, Rabbi Upbin is the Associate Rabbi and Shlichat Tzibur (prayer leader) at Congregation Beth Shalom in Clearwater, FL. She has studied meditation, Hassidism and yoga with the Institute for Jewish Spirituality, among other places, and brings a spiritual and uplifting dynamic to her leadership. She is actively involved in a local Interfaith Coalition, Pinellas County Board of Rabbis, Hadassah, and has served on the board of the Florida Holocaust Museum in St. Petersburg. She is a champion of Jewish education and enjoys spreading the love of Torah with students of all ages. Rabbi Upbin resides in Clearwater, FL with her husband, Rabbi David Weizman, and their four children.