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 Daniel freedman

Rabbi Daniel Freedman is passionate about teaching Judaism, creating meaningful Jewish experiences, and cultivating sacred relationships in ways that reflect the values and aspirations of the people with whom he is in community.

Rabbi Freedman, a native of St. Louis, earned a bachelor’s degree in Jewish Studies and Psychology at The Ohio State University. He was ordained as a rabbi with a master’s degree in Jewish Education and certificate in Jewish nonprofit management at Hebrew Union College in Los Angeles in May of 2020. As an HUC student, Rabbi Freedman had the honor of being Temple Akiba’s rabbinic intern for two years. Since ordination, he has served as a Senior Jewish Educator at Santa Barbara Hillel and as the Assistant Rabbi and Educator at Temple Sinai in Oakland. 

In his free time, Rabbi Freedman enjoys hiking, playing tennis, exploring new neighborhoods, and cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals and The Buckeyes. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife Rabbi Liora Alban and their dog Rexy. He is thrilled to be returning to this special community.

Rabbi Emeritus Allen Maller