Dr. Harvey Raben, Director Emeritus of Congregational Learning
Born in the bayou of Lake Charles, Louisiana, Harvey made stops with his family in Houston and San Antonio on their way to Northern California. After graduating high school in Oakland he proceeded to complete his B.A. at the University of California, Berkeley, spending a year studying in Jerusalem. Jewish study continued at Brandeis University where he received a Master’s degree in Contemporary Jewish Studies. Harvey has pursued a varied career in Jewish community agencies, day schools, and congregational schools. His exceptional experience has taken him from New England to Canada, Ohio, Pacific Northwest and most recently San Diego. During his families residence in Toronto he completed his Doctorate of Education at the University of Toronto. He has served as the International President of the Jewish Community Day School Network and Chair of the Jewish Principal’s Council in San Diego and Toronto.
Harvey is married to Sandy and has three children, daughter Amit, and sons Zev and Shimmy.
“The joy of guiding another person on their Jewish journey is a joy for both teacher and learner. In formal and informal settings, from the youngest ages into adulthood, Jewish learning provides insight and meaning for our lives. In my years of educational work I have guided learners, both young and advanced, to engage our tradition. L’dor va-dor, from generation to generation we are participating in the building of the Jewish people. In community we can create connections that will sustain our efforts l’taken olam b’malchut shadai, to repair the world.”
After serving Congregation Agudas Achim for 10 years as the Director of Congregational Learning, Dr. Raben continues to support our community by leading study groups, serving on Beit Dinim, and consulting on educational matters
To contact Dr. Raben:
harvey.raben@caa-austin.org