Temple Menorah Welcomes Senior Rabbi Dr. Jill Gold Wright

Temple Menorah in Redondo Beach is pleased to announce that Rabbi Jill Gold Wright has joined the congregation as its new senior rabbi, effective July 1, 2026.

Gold Wright is a second-career rabbi who brings a unique combination of congregational leadership, educational expertise and a lifelong commitment to Jewish learning and community. She most recently served as staff rabbi and director of education at Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center, where she led worship, adult learning, pastoral care and religious education programming. During her tenure, she helped guide the congregation through the aftermath of the Eaton Fire, ensuring continuity of worship, education and community life during a period of extraordinary challenge.

"From my earliest conversations with Temple Menorah, I was struck by the warmth of the community, the creativity of its programming and the genuine desire to build relationships across generations," Gold Wright said. "I am excited to join a congregation that values learning, worship and connection so deeply. I look forward to listening, getting to know people personally and partnering with the community as we write the next chapter of Temple Menorah's story together."

Prior to entering the rabbinate, Gold Wright spent 27 years as a tenured professor of English at Mt. San Antonio College. She was ordained by the Academy for Jewish Religion, California, in 2024 and has extensive experience teaching Jewish text and leading learners of all ages, from preschool students to adults exploring Judaism later in life. She also has deep roots in the Reform movement, having taught religious school, Hebrew, Judaica, Israeli dance and drama in synagogues and Jewish summer camps throughout Southern California.

Gold Wright’s selection reflects a comprehensive, national search that began with extensive congregational feedback. Throughout the process, feedback from congregants, staff, lay leaders and references consistently highlighted Gold Wright’s warmth, thoughtfulness, collaborative spirit and commitment to inclusive Jewish community.

Following the Search Committee's recommendation, the Temple Menorah Board of Trustees unanimously approved Gold Wright as its candidate for senior rabbi. In February 2026, congregants voted unanimously to ratify the Board's recommendation.

"Throughout the search process, Rabbi Jill consistently demonstrated the qualities our congregation told us were most important in our next rabbi," said Board of Trustees President Melissa Millman Williams. "She is a thoughtful teacher, a compassionate listener, a collaborative leader and someone who understands how to build community. We are excited to welcome Rabbi Jill and look forward to the many ways she will help Temple Menorah continue to grow as a center of Jewish life in the South Bay."

In the coming months, Rabbi Jill will participate in a variety of programs and events designed to help her build relationships throughout the congregation and the broader South Bay Jewish community, including learning opportunities, community gatherings, holiday celebrations and listening sessions.

About Temple Menorah

Temple Menorah is a Reform Jewish congregation serving the South Bay of Los Angeles. Founded in 1946, the congregation offers worship, education, lifelong learning, social action and community programming for individuals and families of all ages. Guided by its vision of being a Beit Knesset (gathering place), Beit Tefillah (house of prayer) and Beit Midrash (house of learning), Temple Menorah strives to create a welcoming Jewish home where all are encouraged to add their light to the community.