Rabbi Michael S. Beals

Only child of a British-born dad (z”l) and Bronx-born mom/(Kutz Senior Living Center resident), Rabbi Michael Beals was born in San Francisco, CA, and called northern and southern California his home for most of his life. Educated with a BA in Poli Sci/Latin American studies from the University of California at Berkeley, and an MA in Intercultural Communications/US Foreign Policy from the School of International Service at The American University in Washington, DC. Received a post-grad Raoul Wallenberg Scholarship for study at The Hebrew University in Jerusalem, which changed the trajectory of his life, and his life-long commitment to the Jewish people. Worked for the City of Los Angeles as both a management assistant and analyst, in the areas of intercultural communication and multicultural sensitivity training.

Began rabbinical studies at The University of Judaism in Los Angeles, earning an MA in Hebrew Letters, then on to Machon Schechter in Jerusalem, culminating with Rabbinic Ordination from The Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS) with a concentration in Jewish History, in 1997. He has since been award an honorary Doctorate in Divinity from JTS for more than 25-years of rabbinic service to the Jewish people. He has served in both Rabbi and Senior Rabbi roles at B’nai Tikvah Congregation in Los Angeles, CA for seven years, and at Congregation Beth Shalom in Wilmington, DE for the past twenty years. 

Aside from being declared the “President’s Rabbi” by President Joseph R. Biden Jr., he has been appointed by Governor John Carney as Chair of the Delaware Council of Faith-Based Partnerships and served twice as President of the Delaware Association of Rabbis and Cantors. His innovative Celebration of the Animals Program, Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Shabbat Services, and Tea & Conversation with Rabbi Michael are three examples of creativity, innovation, and inclusion which he brings to his rabbinate – but his pastoral sensitivity to the needs of his congregants is his most enduring rabbinic quality.

He is married to Dr. Elissa Green, Director of Veterinary Medicine at HAP-Humane Animal Partners, and together they have two wonderful adult children, Ariella and Shir, as well as four cats and one border-collie cross name Jasper.