Our Rabbi

Rabbi Larry and Chaviva (Yudin) Rothwachs always dreamed of making aliyah, so when the Rotshtein Company approached them with the opportunity to build the Meromei Shemesh community, the two eagerly accepted. They were the perfect fit.

For over 20 years, Rabbi Larry Rothwachs, a licensed social worker, served as the rabbi for Congregation Beth Aaron — one of the longest-serving Orthodox congregations in Teaneck, NJ — and alongside Chaviva, tended to the kehilla’s spiritual, social, and emotional needs. They each cultivated personal relationships with each congregant, demonstrating their dedication and investment in every person and family.

Beyond his sensitive care and approachable personality, Rabbi Rothwachs also brought Congregation Beth Aaron revitalized social and learning programs tailored to all ages and interests. It’s why his and Chaviva’s large, multi-generational kehilla feels like a family.

Rabbi Rothwachs brings that same passion and hands-on approach when shaping future rabbinic leaders as the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary’s Director of Professional Rabbinics and the current American Jewish youth as Camp Morasha’s Head Rabbi. His three-day-a-week podcast, Praying on Purpose, offers relatable and inspiring lessons on daily prayer, reaching a consistent and diverse online audience. Between all ages and backgrounds, Rabbi Rothwachs allows others to feel seen, heard, and supported. It’s why The Forward named him in May 2016 among “America’s Most Inspiring Rabbis.”

Aside from those roles, Rabbi Rothwachs was previously president of the Rabbinical Council of Bergen County and on the executive committee of the Rabbinical Council of America. Additionally, from 1998-2016, he taught Talmud at the Yeshiva University High School for Boys and the Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey.

A graduate of Yeshiva College, Rabbi Rothwachs studied at the Azrieli School of Jewish Education and the Wurzweiler School of Social Work, and received his semicha from RIETS.

He and Chaviva, who teaches special education at the Sinai Schools, are the proud parents of five children and four grandchildren. Now, the two are ready to bring all of themselves to build Meromei Shemesh and rise to new heights.