CLERGY
Rabbi Yaron Kapitulnik
Rabbi Yaron Kapitulnik serves as senior rabbi of Temple Judea, the congregation where he began his career in 2010. As the congregation's leader, Rabbi Yaron works to create a community where each member is inspired to lead a richer Jewish life, be it through joyous worship, thoughtful learning experiences, a social connection over a cup of coffee, or empathetic pastoral care.
Rabbi Kapitulnik graduated and was ordained in 2010 from the New York campus of Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion where he was selected as a participant in the Bonnie and Daniel Tisch Rabbinic Fellows Program which identifies exceptional rabbis who have the ability to lead and transform synagogues and other Jewish communal institutions. Rabbi Kapitulnik is a graduate of Hebrew University in Jerusalem where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Geography with a major in Education and has a diverse background including serving as a paratrooper and paramedic in the Israeli Armed Forces, graduating from Israel's Ministry of Tourism School and serving as an Environmental Guide in Ein Gedi.
Rabbi Kapitulnik has four children, twin girls, Roni & Tom, Danielle and Yonatan. He is a runner, avid chess player, reader, and chef.
Rabbi Wendy Drucker Pein
Welcome Rabbi Wendy Drucker Pein. Rabbi Pein will begin July 1, 2025 as our new Rabbi Educator. Rabbi Pein brings over twenty years of experience in spiritual leadership and Jewish education to our community, and we are fortunate to have her join our congregation.
She received her Rabbinic Ordination and Master of Hebrew Letters from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, holds a Master of Arts in Religious Education, and was awarded her Doctor of Divinity in 2022. She also earned a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from SUNY Purchase and has a BA in Human Biology from Stanford University.
Most recently, Rabbi Pein has served as both Rabbi and Director of Congregational Learning at Temple Israel of Northern Westchester. There, she delivered High Holiday sermons, led Shabbat services, directed the Center for Jewish Learning, and created engaging programs for adults, youth and religious school families. Her ability to connect meaningfully with congregants of all ages has made her a beloved figure in the communities she has served.
As a published author with contributions to the CCAR Journal: Reform Jewish Quarterly and blog posts on ejewishphilanthropy.com, reformjudaism.org, and timesofisrael.com, Rabbi Pein brings thoughtful perspective to Jewish issues and education.
Rabbi Pein met her b'shert, Howard Pein, in college and then reconnected with him at a synagogue in Manhattan and have now been together for almost 30 years. Together, they have two young adult daughters.
In her spare time, Rabbi Pein enjoys reading and exercising, is an avid pickleball player, and she also loves spending time with her family, including her brother and parents who both live in FL.
Cantorial Soloist Kaylene Cole
Kaylene Cole currently serves as the Cantorial Soloist at Temple Judea as she works toward her Ordination. Prior to beginning her position at Temple Judea, Kaylene was featured as a soloist for many synagogues throughout her native South Florida area. Kaylene has a rich performance background having received her Bachelor and Master of Music degree from Florida Atlantic University with a concentration in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy. She has performed various operatic roles and scenes including “Susanna” from Le Nozze di Figaro, “Despina” from Cosi fan Tutte, as well as musical theatre roles such as “Rizzo” from Grease and “The Narrator” from Joseph and The Technicolor Dreamcoat. Also, a passionate voice teacher, Kaylene has taught in the local area for over 10 years and has won various awards including the Joan Frey Boytim Award for Independent Voice Teachers through the National Association of Teachers of Singing. She taught voice and piano for many years at The Pine Crest School in Boca Raton as well as maintained a private voice studio. When she is not on the bimah she can be found practicing yoga, volunteering with her therapy basset hound Faye or spending time with her husband Jared.
Rabbi Joel Levine
Rabbi Emeritus
I am honored to have served as the rabbi of this unique, Reform, post-denominational congregation that embraces spirituality, Torah, and the mitzvot of acts of loving kindness.
In September 2016 I became Rabbi Emeritus of Temple Judea and along with my wife, Susan, became an official "sandbird" when we moved to Los Angeles, California.
For those of you who are new to Temple Judea, and whom I didn't get a chance to meet, I welcome you to your new home and know you will love it. For those of you that I had the chance to minister to, thank you for allowing me to be an important part of your lives. It was a blessing.
I hope you will take a minute to view my "REFLECTIONS ON TEMPLE JUDEA" video below.
Rabbi Joel Levine
"The best preacher is the heart; the best teacher is time; the best book is the world; the best friend is God." - Talmud