Rabbi Daniel Gropper

Believing that Judaism is a pathway to a richer, more meaningful life, Rabbi Gropper views his rabbinate as an opportunity to create sacred relationships, to help facilitate moments of meaning and purpose, and to give people the tools and resources to be God’s partner in repairing the world.

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Since arriving at Community Synagogue of Rye in 2003, Rabbi Gropper has sought to make our congregation a place of belonging and blessing. He transformed the worship experience by creating a variety of Shabbat services aimed at diverse spiritual needs, and infused services with more music, meditative moments, and opportunities to share our stories. The resulting services - more engaging and reflective - fit with Rabbi Gropper’s philosophy, which says that a synagogue can be a place for spiritual transformation where people feel noticed, named, known and needed.

 Ordained in 1998 from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, Rabbi Gropper previously served congregations in New York, California and Massachusetts. He holds a Master of Arts in Hebrew Letters, another in Jewish Education from the Rhea Hirsch School of Jewish Education as well as an honorary Doctor of Divinity from HUC-JIR. His long-time passion for education led him to create programs such as J-Life, Chavurah and CSRTeens within our CJL and his passion for inspiring Jewish youth to find ways to see Judaism as a place to answer the questions of daily life fueled his drive to serve as a camp Rabbi at various Jewish summer camps, including as faculty at URJ Eisner/Crane Lake Camps, Six Points Sci-Tech and Six Points Creative Arts Academy. He also served on the Board of Trustees of Eisner/Crane Lake Camps and as a vice-chair of the URJ’s National Youth Commission and Commission for Lifelong Learning.

Rabbi Gropper exhibits a strong commitment to Israel. He has led numerous congregational trips to Israel, including an interfaith trip with Rye Presbyterian Church. Rabbi Gropper served on the Board of ARZA, the Association of Reform Zionists of America and is currently a member of Hebrew Union College's President's Rabbinic Council.

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Showing his commitment to the wider community both Jewish and ecumenical, Rabbi Gropper has served on numerous UJA Federation task forces, is a past-president of the Westchester Board of Rabbis, and a founding member of both Westchester Faith and The Rye Clergy Association. His commitment to Tikun Olam led him to serve as secretary on the executive board of Repair the World and finds him serving on the Board of Kavod, a non-profit Tzedakah collective that funds programs to help those "in need" to live in dignity and honor.

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Rabbi Gropper is a native of Vancouver, British Columbia. He is a former ski instructor who loves the outdoors, cycling, skiing, reading, cooking and meditating. He and his wife Tamara and their three children, Elijah, Shai, and Noa, reside in Harrison, NY.