After 25 wonderful years serving a vibrant congregation, Rabbi Jonathan Bernhard decided to step away from the pulpit to explore new and meaningful ways of contributing to the Jewish community. This journey has led him to become the Director of Clergy Engagement at the Center for Jewish Food Ethics, co-found the Valley Chevra Kadisha, and work toward bringing green burial practices to the Jewish community. And in June of 2025, Jonathan became the rabbi at Temple Shalom of the South Bay.

He and his wife Laurie live in the San Fernando Valley and they have 3 grown sons, 2 dogs who sleep in their bed, and 2 noisy chickens