rabbi zachary shapiro
Since his ordination the Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion in 1997, Rabbi Shapiro has spent his entire rabbinical career in the Los Angeles area, first as the Associate Rabbi of University Synagogue in Los Angeles (1997-2005), and subsequently here at Temple Akiba since 2006. Since his arrival the congregation has experienced growth in numbers and in spirit. His engagement with people from the tiniest of tots to older adults has laid the framework that Temple Akiba is a place where creating connections invites holiness.
Rabbi Shapiro’s mission in life is to bring goodness into the world. This mission guides every aspect of his rabbinate. His weekly blog, “A Moment in Time” reminds us that every day provides opportunities to harness goodness.
A musician and composer, Rabbi Shapiro has written liturgical folk music used around the country. His children’s book, “We’re All in the Same Boat” (Putnam, 2009), is adored by children worldwide.
Rabbi Shapiro cares deeply for Reform Judaism’s voice in Israel. He is an active member of the Southern California Board of Rabbis, and he serves on the Board of Governors for HUC-JIR.
A native of Boston, he earned his B.A. in Spanish from Colby College, in Waterville ME. He has been married to Ron Galperin since their religious ceremony in 2002, and again in a legal ceremony in 2008. Ron and Zach are proud parents of twins, Maya and Eli.
Cantor Lonee Frailich
Cantor Lonee Frailich became Temple Akiba’s first ever full-time cantor in 2011. She is a teacher and mentor for students of all ages. Her voice brings the sounds of prayer to another dimension, and her leadership and innovative programs are a staple at Temple Akiba.
Cantor Frailich is passionate about weaving the beautiful sounds of Jewish sacred music into the fabric of Temple Akiba. She loves teaching people of all ages about the rich traditions of our heritage, from teaching music to our ECC, tutoring Bar and Bat Mitzvah students of all ages, and engaging in Adult Learning. Cantor Frailich was instrumental in creating and leading the Junior Choir for our youngest congregants, Cantor’s Chanters for our Middle School and High School aged students, and providing lead vocals in the Kabbalat Shabbat band.
Cantor Frailich is a second generation Cantor, following in the footsteps of her father, Cantor Emeritus Jay Frailich, who served as the Cantor at University Synagogue in Brentwood, CA for 40 years. Cantor Frailich is married to Michael Gantman and together they are the loving parents of Indee Rose and Meleena Jo Gantman.
Rabbi Emeritus Allen Maller
In 1967, Rabbi Allen Maller became the spiritual leader of Temple Akiba. Creative new services were begun, including monthly family services that are a continued tradition in the Temple and Religious School today. There was a resurgence of activities, including youth groups and adult education programs, in addition to a lay choir. In the summer of 2006, after 39 wonderful and dedicated years as Temple Akiba’s Rabbi, Rabbi Maller retired and has since continued on as Rabbi Emeritus. Temple Akiba is eternally grateful for his vision and dedication.
