Rabbi continues 30 years of dedication

Rabbi Gershon Johnson A profound love for Judaism and a desire to share his knowledge has been the guiding force for more than 30 years for Rabbi Gary Johnson, who’s been the leader of Temple Beth Haverim in Agoura Hills since 1988.

Johnson said he was inspired as a teenager by his confirmation class teacher, Phil Silverman of Los Angeles, “whose friendship and teaching remain with me today.”

Johnson studied for the rabbinate at the Los Angeles, Jerusalem and New York campuses of Hebrew Union College. He also attended Hartman Yeshiva University in Jerusalem. Johnson has been a rabbi for 30 years and leader of Temple Beth Haverim at 29900 Ladyface Court in Agoura Hills for 18 years.

Temple Beth Haverim, located near Reyes Adobe and Agoura roads, is affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. It is dedicated to preserving the traditions of the past and to serving the spiritual, cultural, educational and social needs of the congregation.

Johnson, who grew up in the Los Angeles area, met and married his wife, Sharene, in Israel 33 years ago. They have three children and two grandchildren. Son Gavriel, who attended UC Santa Barbara, lives in Israel with his wife, Shalvi, and children, Nosson and Sarah. Daughter Aliza, who earned a bachelor’s degree in nutrition from UC Davis, also lives in Israel.

The Johnsons’ youngest daughter, Rachel, is a recent graduate of the School of Law at UC Hastings in San Francisco.

When asked whether he was concerned about his family’s safety in Israel, Johnson said, “I fear as much for my daughter who lives in San Francisco as I do for my family in Israel!”

The rabbi and his assistants, Rabbi Lynne Kern and Cantor Kenny Ellis, are planning High Holy Days observances, which begin Mon., Oct. 3.

For more information about Friday and Saturday Shabbat services at the synagogue, please call Temple Beth Haverim at (818) 991-7111 visit the website at www.templebethhaverim.org.