Testimonials

Neal is an engaging teacher and brings his passion for Jewish texts and the values that animate them into every interaction. He was able to connect with our elementary school students, our teachers, and learners of all ages.
—Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback, Stephen Wise Temple, Los Angeles, CA

We were very fortunate to study with Neal Gold during our yearly Kallah. We may have been a tough crowd—a group of rabbis and teachers ourselves—but Neal hit just the right note. Very knowledgeable and at the same time accessible and personable; very prepared with loads of great texts, but flexible enough to follow an interesting thread of questions; gifted in taking a somewhat obscure topic and making it meaningful, relevant and exciting. Bring him to your next learning opportunity and be ready to follow his scholarship to some wonderful insights and deep learning.
—Rabbi Leana Moritt, New Jersey-West Hudson Valley Reform Rabbinical Association

It was a pleasure to have Neal serve as a scholar-in-residence. The depth and breadth of his knowledge is extremely impressive. Neal used storytelling, music and humor making his teaching engaging, thoughtful and provocative. Each time he taught it was as if he invited everyone in the room to come on an exciting journey with him. We traveled through time visiting ancient and modern texts as we explored different subjects. At the conclusion of each session no one was in a rush to leave. Since Neal is so warm and approachable, many people felt comfortable to speak with him after the formal teaching had ended. Neal was easy to work with from start to finish and learning from him was a treat for my congregation and for me.  
—Rabbi Ellie Miller, Temple B'nai Or, Morristown, NJ

Rabbi Neal Gold brought wisdom and scholarship to our congregation for our annual scholar-in-residence program, challenging our community to consider our responsibilities to others, the environment, and each other through the lens of tikkun olam. Rabbi Gold’s warm and welcoming character brought new meaning to ancient texts and his deep love for Judaism and living a Jewish life made learning with him a pleasure.
—Rabbi Jared Saks, Congregation Bet Ha’am, Portland, ME

Rabbi Neal Gold is a gifted and dynamic teacher who brought insight, wisdom and passion into all three of the sessions he taught on Tikkun Olam. His love of the subject was tangible and he left us craving for more after each session.
—Rabbi Ari Goldstein, Temple Beth Shalom, Annapolis, MD

We were blessed to invite Neal to spend a weekend exploring the important connection we Jews have to Eretz Yisrael. He spoke from a place of personal passion, conviction and wisdom. He led us with brilliance and warmth in text study. He challenged my folks to deepen their connections to Israel through our movement by explaining the resources possible through ARZA. And he also inspired our teens in two engaging sessions. He would be a wonderful choice for any congregation seeking a scholar to help with a boost in Israel engagement. I cannot recommend him more highly.  
—Rabbi Michelle Pearlman, Temple Beth Chaim, Malvern, PA

Rabbi Neal Gold brought an amazing depth of wisdom, knowledge, and presence to Temple Israel. Neal worked in fabulous partnership with me in sculpting a fantastic Scholar in Residence weekend focused specifically on goals and needs that we established together, for the benefit of our congregation and community here in Tulsa. Neal’s teachings were drawn from a variety of topics of his own personal interest; this created an intimacy with the Temple Israel congregation, leaving them hungry for more learning. I will certainly engage Rabbi Gold with future opportunities, as  I cannot wait to bring him back to Tulsa!
—Rabbi Michael Weinstein, Temple Israel, Tulsa, OK

My Congregation recently had the pleasure of welcoming Neal as our Scholar-in-Residence to dedicate a weekend to deepening our connections to Israel. I wanted to share what a fantastic experience it was! Neal spoke passionately and compassionately about Israel, working with all age groups over the weekend. His lectures and teaching, including a fantastic Torah Study on Shabbat morning, were accessible, engaging, and powerful. He tailored his teachings to our needs and our congregants' level, but still pushed us to think more. The congregation and I were very happy with the entire program, and many congregants commented to me personally to let me know what a wonderful weekend they felt it was. If you're able to bring Neal in as a visiting Rabbi or Scholar, I urge you to do so!
—Rabbi Daniel Bar-Nahum, Temple B’nai Torah, Wantagh, NY

Neal is an authentic, knowledgeable, and highly engaging teacher who was universally loved by the attendees of his course for our temple’s adult education program. He’s also a joy to work with on planning and following up. I can’t recommend Neal highly enough, and we are really looking forward to working with and learning from him more in the future.
— Jim Hopper, Adult Learning Chair, Winchester, MA

Rabbi Gold is a born teacher who connected so easily to my community, infusing our discussion of Israel with humor, wisdom, and hope. He has a deep and abiding love for Israel and for Torah, and his rare gift is to share that love in a way that makes everyone in the room want to learn more.  
—Rabbi Beth Kalisch, Beth David Reform Congregation, Gladwyne, PA

Rabbi Neal Gold is an incredible teacher. He is engaging and passionate about Judaism and the texts and resources he brings to the table. He has an uncanny ability to breathe relevancy into any text and has an amazing depth of wisdom and knowledge. Whether preaching on Shabbat or leading a Scholar in Residence weekend, he elevates the congregation and makes deep connections with you and your congregants. It is always a joy and an honor to have Rabbi Gold with us and we can’t wait to have him back. 
—Rabbi Philip Bazeley, Anshe Emeth Memorial Temple, New Brunswick, NJ

Rabbi Neal Gold spoke to our congregation and gave an intelligent and engaging talk. More importantly, he spoke from the heart about an issue we all needed to hear: recapturing the dynamic spirit of Zionism. Highly recommended!
 —Rabbi Joseph Meszler, Temple Sinai, Sharon, MA

Neal speaks compellingly about the need for Reform Zionism. His energy, depth of knowledge and commitment to Israel and progressive Judaism shine through.  
—Rabbi Laurence W. Groffman, Temple Sholom, West Essex, NJ