By: Jenn Abelson
His Sesame Street "Elmo" tie and youthful looks somewhat disguise the fact that Malverne Jewish Center's new rabbi is a seasoned spiritual leader and serious teacher and learner of Judaism.
The 26-year-old New Jersey native, Michael Singer, joined the congregation last month after spending a year in Israel studying at the Conservative Movement Rabbinical Training School for Israeli Rabbis.
Replacing Rabbi Moshe Berger, Singer comes with a year of experience as the rabbi at Temple Emanuel at Parkchester in the Bronx, as well as two years of training as a United States Navy chaplain.
The lieutenant junior also served as the clinical pastoral at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Boston, where he offered spiritual guidance for people in the drug and alcohol detoxification unit and led services for Jewish patients.
Singer, who studied psychology and Jewish studies at Rutgers University, said the rabbinate combines everything he loves -- teaching, psychology, people, leading a community -- and all the while, learning about Judaism.
Singer said he turned down offers from other congregations because he fell in love with Malverne during his first visit in May. "Malverne is a home for culture, education and spirituality," he said.
Arbie Orenstein, a congregation member who helped select Singer, described the new rabbi as "a very bright, articulate, hardworking individual who will have a brilliant career in the rabbinate."
Singer said he hopes to engage the already active community through new programs, including a Friday night "Havura," which means friend in Hebrew. One Friday night a month, small groups of people will enjoy Shabbat dinner and discussion at a hosting family and return to the synagogue or Singer's home for dessert and a wrap-up of the evening's discussion.
In addition, Singer wants to start a Jewish literacy class that touches on topics from Jewish history, culture, religious practices, books and people.
"I want to make Malverne Jewish Center a community hub," Singer said. "I also hope to join together with local churches and synagogues to provide faith-based initiatives to address the community's needs."
Singer said he and his wife, who works for Oxford Press in Manhattan, are very excited about having their own house for the first time. Singer said he hopes to make his Nassau Avenue residence open to the congregation like his New Jersey rabbi and source of inspiration did.
"My rabbi didn't just stand behind the pulpit. He was one of the congregation and invited people into his house," Singer said. "You need to make people feel welcome, show them what you do -- like celebrating Shabbat -- and make them feel a part of that."
Elayne Agatstein, a charter member of the 46-year-old synagogue, praised Singer for bringing life into the community and said attendance at Friday night services has increased since his arrival.
"He has a good grasp on what is going on in the world and he's not too steeped in the religious part of his life," Agatstein said. "To meet him is to love him."
