Meet The Clergy
Rabbi David Kornberg, Senior Rabbi
Rabbi Kornberg has been a part of the Beth Am family since 1999 when he joined us as Assistant Rabbi. Over the years, he has helped us plant the seeds for a strong, growing, and learning community. Before coming back to San Diego, Rabbi Kornberg had the opportunity to touch many lives as a Hospital Chaplain and Director of Chaplaincy for the Jewish Federation of Middlesex County in New Jersey. Now, as Senior Rabbi, he brings those skills, among others, and a passion for Jewish learning to our Beth Am community.
"I believe that a community, no matter how large or small, needs to maintain a ‘family’ feeling. A shul is a place to learn, to pray, to come together and feel a sense of comfort and connection. This is the heart and soul of our congregation. It is the foundation upon which Congregation Beth Am was built and will continue to guide us in the years to come.“
Rabbi Kornberg is a Past President of the San Diego Rabbinical Association and currently serves as Chaplain for the San Diego Police Department as well as a part of SDPD's Emergency Negotiating Team. He holds a BA in Jewish Studies, MA in Hebrew Letters, and his Rabbinic Degree from Jewish Theological Seminary. He lives in Carmel Valley with his wife, Debbie. Together they have two adult children, Michael and Rachel.
Rabbi Matthew Earne, Rabbi
Rabbi Earne joined our community in 2006 as Assistant Rabbi, bringing tremendous energy and ruach to Beth Am. He earned his BA in Human Development and Family Bond at Cornell University, MA in Education from the University of Judaism. Rabbi Earne’s rabbinic ordination was from New York’s Jewish Theological Seminary. Rabbi Earne has been with our community for 15 years. Through this time he has been promoted to Associate Rabbi and now has earned the title as our Rabbi. Rabbi Earne focuses primarily on our educational programs with love and passion and has overseen their growth. One of his successes has been the creation of our own Hebrew High Program called Sabra.
“It is clear that teaching our children is one of the most important roles we have as Jewish leaders and parents. Our commitment to the Jewish people is to educate and engage our youth, building their Jewish identities for our future community. It’s a joy to help our children become more involved and grow – while they are making friends and having fun.”
Rabbi Earne lives in Carmel Valley with his wife, Elizabeth, and their two children, Jonah and Gabriella. They feel very fortunate to raise their family in the kind and nurturing community of Congregation Beth Am.
