Meet Rabbi Brian Immerman, Beth Emet’s New Senior Rabbi

Rabbi Brian Immerman

Rabbi Immerman is excited to get to know the Beth Emet community., but it will take him some time to connect with all of us. We urge you to come to Shabbat services to meet him! Explore more opportunities to meet Rabbi Immerman this summer and fall at upcoming activities and events, below.

Rabbi Brian Immerman serves as the Senior Rabbi at Beth Emet, The Free Synagogue, where he leads a dynamic Reform Jewish community with infectious joy and deep purpose. His rabbinate is defined by a simple yet powerful belief: Judaism should be a source of celebration, connection, and transformation in people’s lives.

Rabbi Immerman’s approach to Jewish leadership centers on creating spaces where every person feels welcomed, valued, and inspired to create meaning and purpose in their own lives. He excels at weaving together sacred tradition, diverse voices and perspectives, building communities where differences strengthen rather than divide. Whether delivering sermons that challenge and comfort, teaching classes that ignite lifelong curiosity, or officiating at life’s most sacred moments, he brings authenticity, warmth, and relevance to every encounter.

His commitment to joyful Judaism extends beyond the synagogue walls. Rabbi Immerman is a passionate advocate for social justice, believing that Jewish values demand we work toward a more equitable world—from affordable healthcare and childcare to combating racism and inequality. He invites his community to “pray with their feet,” transforming ancient wisdom into contemporary action.

Before joining Beth Emet, Rabbi Immerman served as the rabbi at Sukkat Shalom in Wilmette and Congregation Mishkan Israel in Hamden, Connecticut, and began his career at Temple Emanuel in Denver, Colorado. A native of Shaker Heights, Ohio, his Jewish journey was shaped by his rabbis at Temple Tiferith Israel and summers at Goldman Union Camp Institute, where he both learned as a camper and taught as a counselor.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Rochester, where he also captained the swim team. He received his Master’s degree in Hebrew Literature and rabbinical ordination from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York. He was a Shusterman Rabbinic Fellow and completed the Rabbi Balfour Brickner Rabbinic Fellowship program through the URJ’s Religious Action Center.

Rabbi Immerman lives his values daily—biking, exploring the outdoors, and sharing his love of music with his wife Jenny and their two children, Maggie and Aiden.

To learn more about Rabbi Immerman:

Upcoming Opportunities to Connect with Rabbi Immerman

Rabbi Immerman is eager to connect with our congregation. A list of upcoming activities and events is below. This calendar is being updated frequently, so check back for more dates and times!

First In-Person Shabbat with Rabbi Immerman and Cantor Young

Date and Time:  Friday, July 3, 6:30 Service, Oneg beforehand sponsored by Gerbie family in honor of Mel’s birthday
Location:  Beth Emet
(FYI, Saturday, July 4, Kahal Service will be offsite due to holiday, at home of Rae Weil.  Rabbi Immerman plans to attend. Contact office@bethemet.org for the address.)

Official Welcome Shabbat for Rabbi Immerman

Date and Time: Friday, July 10, 6:30 Service, Oneg beforehand sponsored by BE Board
Location:  Beth Emet

Kahal Service and Welcome Potluck

(Rabbi Immerman and family will attend)
Date and Time:  Saturday, July 11, 9:30 AM Service, with Potluck to follow
Location:  Weiner Room

Congregational Beach Shabbat Service and Potluck

Date and Time:  Saturday, August 1, 9:30 AM, with Potluck to follow
Location: Lighthouse Beach, at covered pavilion
Notes: Tot Shabbat service earlier that morning.