Rabbi Elliott A. Kleinman, M.P.S.A (DePaul University), M.A.H.L. (Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion), M.Ed. (Xavier University), Rabbinical Ordination from the Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion, is the Director of Program for the Union for Reform Judaism, the umbrella organization of the Reform Movement in North America. In that role he coordinates the work of the departments of Outreach and Synagogue Community, Jewish Family Concerns, Synagogue Management, Worship Music and Religious Living and Social Action. He is also responsible for the Biennial Conventions of the Union – North America’s largest Jewish gathering – that brings together nearly 5,000 synagogue volunteer leaders and professionals for 5 days of worship, music and study.

Before coming to New York, Rabbi Kleinman was the Regional Director for the Northeast Lakes Council/Detroit Federation of the Union. Prior to his work at the Union for Reform Judaism, Rabbi Kleinman served as a rabbi at Temple Sholom of Chicago.

Rabbi Kleinman finds time to write and lecture about educational issues confronting the Jewish community and about issues in leadership and organizational dynamics. For something to do between doing things, Kleinman serves on the Boards of Myriam’s Dream Foundation and Mazon: A Jewish Response to Hunger and on the Member Council of Faith and Values Media. An author and editor, Kleinman has taught teachers and students in both Jewish and secular schools and universities. He was awarded the title of Reform Jewish Educator (RJE) by the National Association of Temple Educators. Kleinman is a Chicagoan by birth and a Cubs fan by nature.