Shelter Rock Jewish Center 2026
Rabbi Claudio Kupchik joined Shelter Rock on September 6, 2024, when he assumed the pulpit from the retiring Senior Rabbi, and now Rabbi Emeritus Martin S. Cohen.
Rabbi Kupchik was most recently the Senior Rabbi of Temple Beth El of Cedarhurst, which had been his pulpit since 2017. His leadership there in adult education and in responding to the pandemic with virtual engagement efforts were recognized with The Schechter Award from the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. Over three decades, he led several other congregations in the New York Metro Region and in Canada, where he was effective as a community unifier, especially in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, in Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn.
The Rabbi was born and raised in Argentina before emigrating to the United States. He graduated from the Buenos Aires University Medical School as a Doctor of Medicine, earned a Rabbinic degree from the Seminario Rabinico Latinoamericano in Buenos Aires and a master’s degree in Rabbinics and Talmudic Studies at the Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS) in New York. In 2017, the JTS also awarded him an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity.
He participated last year in a scholars’ program of the Vatican Library in Rome, in the study of medieval Hebrew manuscripts. There he had the pleasure of meeting the late Pope Francis, with whom he shared a soccer joke, in Spanish, as they both hail from Buenos Aires and are fans of arch-rival teams, Huracan and San Lorenzo. Rabbi Kupchik also enjoys using his fine voice, and, during worship services, may be heard interweaving songs–in Hebrew, English and Spanish–with prayer.
Rabbi Kupchik joins the Shelter Rock Jewish Center family with his wife Ann-Rebecca and their sons, Jacob and Simon.
Support Rabbi Claudio Kupchik by placing an AD in his honor.
Aaron Leschack is a junior at New Hyde Park Memorial High School who is actively involved in both the performing arts and athletics while maintaining a strong commitment to his academics. A hardworking student enrolled in several AP classes and a proud member of the Junior Honor Society, Aaron balances his schoolwork with a range of extracurricular activities. A dedicated musician, he plays percussion in the school band, sings in the school’s Chamber Choir, and is a member of HaZamir: the International Jewish Teen Choir. Outside of music, Aaron is a member of the school’s tennis team and enjoys staying active on the court.
Aaron began his Jewish journey when he was enrolled in the 2’s Program at the Early Childhood Center at Shelter Rock Jewish Center. He later attended the Religious School Program. He enjoys being invited to the bima to sing with the Chazzan, sharing his enthusiasm for music and prayer with the congregation.
In his free time, Aaron values spending time with friends and connecting with them through online gaming. Whether performing with his musical groups, competing in athletics, or building friendships, Aaron approaches every opportunity with enthusiasm, commitment, and a strong sense of community.
Aaron and his family wish to express thanks to the FJMC for this Youth of the Year recognition.