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• Augusta, GA

Rabbi Robert Klensin joined Congregation Children of Israel in July, 2004.  The Rabbi brings over 30 years of Rabbinic experience in the warm tradition of Reform Judaism.

After graduating Summa Cum Laude/Phi Beta Kappa with a B.A. in Philosophy from UCLA, Rabbi Klensin attended Hebrew Union College/Jewish Institute of Religion and was ordained in 1974.

As a youth, he spent some summers at URJ Camp Swig and, after graduating from high school, a year in Jerusalem as a NFTY representative to the Institute for Youth Leaders from Abroad.  During a second year in Israel, he attended a Hasidic Yeshiva, to gain an understanding, as a Reform Jew, of what it is we are reforming.

From 1974 thru 2002, Rabbi Klensin served as spiritual leader at Temple Beth Shalom of Arnold, Maryland.  After leaving Maryland, Rabbi Klensin served as Interim Rabbi at Temple Beth Israel in Scottsdale, Arizona.  Rabbi Klensin served as Interim Rabbi at Temple Beth David in Westminster, CA.  Both of these interim positions gave Rabbi Klensin an opportunity to return to important places in his personal life (he’s from Tucson, AZ and went to school in CA) while serving congregations in times of transition. 

Rabbi Klensin enjoys teaching, and sharing his excitement about Judaism with others.  He strongly supports the recent focus of Reform Judaism on serious learning for all members, and seeks an ongoing partnership between the Rabbi and congregants in forming the structure for worship and ritual practices.

Social action has always been an important part of his rabbinical experiences.  He served as chairperson of the Maryland Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, and has encouraged his congregants to take a stand and be involved with social issues.  He also served on the Ethics Committee at Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis, and testified on social issues before the Maryland Legislature. 

Rabbi Klensin moved to Augusta in July, 2004 from Seal Beach, California with his wife, Francine.  They have three children.  Their son Jacob is a student at Northeastern University in Boston.  Their two daughters live in Los Angeles.  Hannah teaches preschool at Wilshire Blvd. Temple.  Rachel teaches third grade for Beverly Hills public schools and their son-in-law, Jared, works in the movie industry.

Rabbi Klensin would be pleased to talk personally with you about our synagogue, Jewish community, or Jewish beliefs and practices.  You can reach him at the temple office (706-736-3140) or by e-mail.

We’d love for you to visit Congregation Children of Israel and meet Rabbi Klensin.  Join us any Friday evening for Shabbat services or contact the rabbi to make an appointment.