Meet The Rabbi!
Beth Chaverim is led by Rabbi Jodi Kornfeld. As the leader of Beth Chaverim, Rabbi Jodi is committed to leading by ethical and moral example, listening to the voice of the community and displaying compassion and sensitivity to the community’s needs. As an effective communicator, Rabbi Jodi has a wonderful capacity for instilling a deep knowledge of Judaism, making the knowledge relevant for the community, and fostering a sense of togetherness through communal learning and celebration. She is an inspiring educator with over 30 years’ experience teaching religious school, directing Humanistic Jewish schools, publishing articles on Jewish educational subjects, and presenting at local educational conferences. Most recently, she co-edited “Contemporary Humanistic Judaism: Beliefs, Values, Practices” published by The Jewish Publication Society as part of its Jewish Thought Anthology Series.
Co-editor of “Contemporary Humanistic Judaism: Beliefs, Values, Practices” (January 2025)
Doctor of Science in Jewish Studies from Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership, 2015
Ordained by the International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism, October 2009 Click here to watch Rabbi Jodi’s ordination speech.
Master’s degree in Jewish Studies from Spertus College, 2003
Past and Current President of the Association of Humanistic Rabbis
Rabbi Kornfeld authored “Visual Arts and Jewish Historiography” in The Routledge Companion to Jewish History and Historiography, edited by Dean Bell, published in 2018.
On July 4, 2013, Rabbi Kornfeld was honored to read the Declaration of Independence at the Chicago History Museum Independence Day Celebration.
On May 2, 2012, Rabbi Kornfeld delivered the invocation before the Illinois House of Representatives. Read her remarks.
Rabbi Kornfeld is available to perform life cycle ceremonies including weddings, baby namings and funerals for non-members, as well as members
Read Rabbi Kornfeld’s 2025 Rosh Hashanah Sermon, “We are Each the Other".
Read Rabbi Kornfeld’s 2025 Yom Kippur Sermon, “Forgiveness and Reconciliation"
Appearance on Amusing Jews podcast February 2025
Meet The Rabbi series with Society for Humanistic Judaism March 20, 2025
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
Carolyn & Dan L.
We spent a period of several years "testing" different synagogues, humanistic and otherwise. It wasn't until we met Rabbi Jodi at Beth Chaverim that we felt at home with our religion.
Lauren S.
It was a beautiful ceremony and really inclusive. This has definitely given me a lot of thought about exploring humanistic Judaism... Especially once [we] start a family. Perhaps it'll even reignite my faith in the religion.
Pam D.
This was the most moving and gorgeous service. Your words and the music made this so meaningful. (I am still crying!). Just beautiful!