Hebrew Union College Appoints Rabbi Mari Chernow ’03 as Dean of the Los Angeles Campus

Hebrew Union College is proud to announce the appointment of Rabbi Mari Chernow '03 as the next Dean of the Los Angeles Campus. Beginning February 27, Rabbi Chernow will join the College as Dean Designate, working closely on the transition with outgoing Dean Rabbi Joshua Garroway. She will assume the full role of Dean on April 1, 2026.

A distinguished rabbinic leader with more than two decades of experience guiding large, multifaceted Jewish institutions, Rabbi Chernow brings a powerful combination of strategic vision, community-building expertise, and devotion to Jewish learning and justice.

Rabbi Chernow most recently served as Senior Rabbi of Temple Israel of Hollywood, where she led the 900-member congregation that encompasses a day school, nursery school, supplemental religious school, and community cemetery. She oversaw a $10 million annual budget while collaborating closely with trustees, faculty, lay leaders, and school heads. Her leadership was marked by courageous decision-making, a renewed strategic vision, and innovative approaches to worship and Jewish engagement. She guided her community through the COVID19 pandemic, the aftermath of the attacks of October 7, and devastating Los Angeles wildfires, with the resilience, clarity, and profound care for congregants and staff that exemplify Jewish leadership.

Prior to her service in Los Angeles, Rabbi Chernow spent eighteen years at Temple Chai in Phoenix, ultimately becomingSenior Rabbi. There she launched creative, community-energizing programs such as the celebrated Prayer Lab, cofounded the Valley Beit Midrash collaborative learning initiative, expanded retreat offerings, and strengthened early childhood and family education. Her tenure advanced immersive Jewish experience, relational community life, and a deep commitment to social justice. Across both communities, Rabbi Chernow is widely admired for her ability to build inclusive culture, mentor and inspire staff, support those navigating grief or transition, and translate Jewish tradition into meaningful and joyful spiritual expression.

Appointed to an initialtwo-year term of service, Rabbi Chernow will serve as the senior representative of the Los Angeles campus, elevating the College's presence in Los Angeles and throughout the Western region of North America. As Dean, Chernow will support students, faculty, and staff in maintainingand strengthening a vibrant and respectful culture. Her focus will include recruitment, alumni engagement strategy, and oversight of administrative and facilities operations-including leadership in the campus renovation planning. In this administrative role she will support our academic faculty, including Karen Skinazi, Ph.D., Director of the Louchheim School of Judaic Studies,in building on our long-standing partnership with USC. As Dean of the Los Angeles campus, she will report directly to the President and serve on the President's Cabinet.

President Andrew Rehfeld, Ph.D. remarked, "Rabbi Mari Chernow brings to the deanship a steady, strategic hand and a deep understanding of how thriving academic and spiritual communities take shape. Her experience guiding complex institutions will strengthen our campus culture, deepen partnerships across Los Angeles, and support our students as they grow into the leaders our Jewish future depends on. As Rabbi Joshua Garroway returns to full-time teaching, we remainprofoundly grateful for his thoughtful and dedicated leadership as dean. Together with Rabbi Chernow, we look forward to building on the foundation he has nurtured with such care."

Rabbi Chernow added, "Returning to Hebrew Union College as Dean of the Los Angeles campus is a profound privilege. I look forward to listening closely to our students, faculty, colleagues, and partners as together we cultivate a campus where rigorous study, spiritual depth, and responsibility to the wider community shape the leaders our Jewish future requires. I am deeply grateful to follow Rabbi Joshua Garroway's devoted stewardship of this campus and honored to build on the strong community he and our prior deans have helped to foster."

Rabbi Chernow was ordained by Hebrew Union College in 2003 and received multiple awards for excellence in Bible, Rabbinic Literature, and Liturgy. Her leadership extends nationally, including serving the CCARas a member of itsBoard, ethics committee, and as a mentor, and working onthe RAC's social action commission. Her publications include contributions to major commentaries on Torah, social justice, and spiritual growth.

Hebrew Union College warmly welcomes Rabbi Mari Chernow and celebrates the beginning of an inspiring new chapter for the Los Angeles campus.