Rabbi Rebecca Thau was ordained by Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion. She serves Central Synagogue as Rabbi on the Pulpit Clergy Team.

Before ordination, Rebecca served as Rabbinic Intern at Central Synagogue for three years, where she lead worship, developed and taught Adult Education courses, and scripted and hosted popular podcast series, among many other high-impact projects.

During her rabbinical training, Rebecca also worked at Temple Beth El (Madison, WI), DOROT (NYC), Temple Beth Tikva (Guilford, CT), and Congregation Rodeph Sholom (NYC).

She received HUC-JIR’s Tisch and Weitzman-JDC Fellowships, as well as prizes for academic excellence in Theology, Rabbinics, Bible, Midrash, Liturgy, Hebrew, Jewish History, and Pastoral Care. 

Rebecca holds an A.B. (Phi Beta Kappa, magna cum laude with highest honors) from Harvard University and an M.A. in Hebrew Literature from HUC. Rebecca’s undergraduate thesis won Harvard’s prize for best Jewish Studies dissertation, among other academic awards.

Before her rabbinical training, Rebecca worked in special projects at a New York-based investment bank. A lifelong New Yorker, Rebecca is a proud alumna of Riverdale Country School and will happily tell you all her favorite spots in Central and Riverside Parks.

A certified yoga teacher, Rebecca loves a good workout, black coffee, and her monthly book club.