Leadership

Rabbi Jacob Herber

Rabbi Jacob Herber is a passionate and seasoned pulpit rabbi who brings deep experience, heartfelt leadership, and an unwavering commitment to Jewish community and Jewish values. He began his tenure as Beth El’s Senior Rabbi in July 2025, continuing a distinguished rabbinic career rooted in meaningful relationships and visionary service.

Rabbi Herber launched his rabbinic journey as Assistant and later Senior Rabbi of Har Zion Temple in Philadelphia. He then served for 15 years as the beloved spiritual leader of Congregation Beth Israel-Ner Tamid in Milwaukee. In 2018, he joined the staff of the Shalom Hartman Institute of North America, where he worked on national rabbinic programs and advised clergy of all denominations in teaching the Institute’s values-based curricula.

Arthur Ruberg, Rabbi Emeritus.

Rabbi Arthur Ruberg became Beth El’s rabbi in 1988. He is a graduate of Haverford College in suburban Philadelphia as well as the Jewish Theological Seminary where he received a master’s degree in Jewish studies and rabbinic ordination in 1974. He was named Beth El’s Rabbi Emeritus in 2011.

Prior to coming to Norfolk, Rabbi Ruberg served congregations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey as associate rabbi and religious education director. He also directed Camp Ramah in the Poconos, one of the youth leadership summer camps associated with Conservative Judaism.

Cantor Laynie Zell

We are delighted to welcome Cantor Zell to the Beth El Congregation clergy team as our Director of Music, Ritual, and Family Engagement. Working closely with Rabbi Herber, Cantor Zell enriches congregational life through inspiring worship, meaningful music, and engaging Jewish experiences for congregants of all ages. With a special focus on children and families, Cantor Zell helps strengthen our ritual life, foster lifelong Jewish learning, and build meaningful connections throughout our congregation.