CRS Radio The Black Jewish Queen Live Chat Special Guest Rabbi Mark S. Bloom

RABBI MARK S. BLOOM—BIOGRAPHY

Mark Bloom is one of the longest serving rabbis in the Bay Area, having joined Temple Beth Abraham of Oakland, California as its rabbi in 2001. He was ordained at the Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1995 and has received honorary doctorates from both Hebrew Union College and the Jewish Theological Seminary. He also received both Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Communication Studies from Northwestern University.  

Temple Beth Abraham had doubled in size to nearly 500 families during his tenure. He has written his own prayerbook called “The Song of Abraham,” leads Friday night services with his guitar, where popular music is often incorporated, and has created a variety of musical and creative services at this otherwise traditional synagogue. Rabbi Bloom is especially known for his work with children as well as for giving sermons without using notes on the High Holidays. 

In the broader community, Rabbi Bloom has been honored by the Alameda County Food Bank, helping to raise over $100,000 to help feed the needy in the East Bay, as well as by  the First AME Church, as he has been active in Interfaith events here in Oakland.

Rabbi Bloom has also been honored by the Jewish Sports Hall of Fame of Northern California for his coaching and work in creating soccer teams for those who cannot play on the Jewish Sabbath. Two other highlights include conducting the funeral for the late Al Davis, Owner of the Oakland Raiders, and being the first synagogue to host Congresswoman Barbara Lee as a speaker.