Professional 

Rabbi Laurie Matzkin has led and designed Jewish educational experiences for all ages in settings such as religious schools, B’nai Mitzvah programs, summer camps, women’s and family retreats, adult education seminars, Israel trips, and conversion programs. She studied Music (Flute Performance) and Jewish Studies at Indiana University, Bloomington, and received Rabbinic Ordination, a Masters Degree in Experiential Education, and a Certificate in Non-Profit Management for Rabbis, all from the AJU/ Ziegler School in Los Angeles. Rabbi Matzkin served as Director of Lifelong Learning at Congregation Kol Emeth in Palo Alto for 7 years, the Family Educator for PJ Library in Silicon Valley and the Mindful Jewish Journeys Educator for the Los Gatos JCC spanning 6 years, and the rabbi for The Villages Jewish Group in San Jose for 5 years. Since 2022, Rabbi Matzkin has served as the Chief Jewish Experience Officer at the Peninsula JCC in Foster City, CA.

Rabbi Matzkin has consulted with many synagogues and Jewish organizations including Hadassah, JCRC, Yavneh Day School, Camp JCA Shalom and JCC preschools. She continues to inspire others through her yoga classes, musical worship experiences, insightful text study sessions and small-group support circles.  As a graduate of the Institute of Jewish Spirituality's Clergy Leadership Program, Rabbi Matzkin brings her rich background in creativity, spirituality, and mindfulness to her teaching. Rabbi Matzkin’s mission is to help learners of all ages and Jewish backgrounds feel an increased sense of purpose, vibrancy and connection on their journeys.

Rabbi Matzkin served for four years as an Executive Committee member of the Northern California Board of Rabbis and is also a founding faculty member of the Embodied Jewish Wisdom Teachers Network.