From the moment they arrived in 2016, Rabbi Chaim and Yael Axelrod have helped shape the heart and soul of Young Israel of New Rochelle. For the last ten years, they have embraced our community not simply as leaders, but as partners and friends. With their vision, energy, and deep commitment to Torah, the YINR community has experienced remarkable growth in all areas of Jewish communal life.

Rabbi Axelrod grew up in Kew Gardens Hills and received his education at DRS, Yeshivat Sha’alvim, Yeshiva University, and RIETS. After serving as Rabbinic Intern in Young Israel of Scarsdale and Young Israel of North Woodmore, Rabbi Axelrod spent five years as Assistant Rabbi at Young Israel of Long Beach before joining YINR as Assistant Rabbi. In 2021, he advanced to Associate Rabbi, further expanding his leadership and deepening his impact. Throughout his tenure at YINR, Rabbi Axelrod has also served and continues to serve as Magid Shiur in 10th Grade at MTA, inspiring the next generation with the same dedication and care, as he nurtures his students’ growth in Torah, character, and commitment to Jewish life.

While it is impossible to capture all of Rabbi Axelrod’s contributions, several highlights include: his weekly Navi Shiur, New Member Chaburah, YINR Purim Tish and the YINR Bar Mitzvah Boys Program. Additionally, he has played a central role in countless initiatives, from the beloved weekly Shalosh Seudos, where divrei Torah are shared and zemirot are sung, to championing the decorum initiative in shul. His chazanut is truly exceptional and elevates our Yamim Noraim. The warmth and energy he brings to every oneg and shalom zachar are palpable.

 

Yael grew up in Woodmere and received her education at HAFTR, Michlala and Yeshiva University. Our community has been privileged to learn from Yael, a talented educator who has taught Judaic studies in HALB and Westchester Day School. She is currently Director of Religious and Israel Guidance, Senior Grade Dean and Judaic Studies Teacher at Central High School for Girls. Despite working full time while raising her children, Yael has taken on more volunteer roles than most could imagine. Over the past ten years, she has taught countless shiurim, including the popular Rosh Chodesh series, summer breakfast series, the annual Simchat Torah lecture, and shiurim before Pesach and during Aseret Yemei Teshuva, among others. She expanded and leads the YINR Bat Mitzvah program, teaches kallah classes, and provides guidance in Taharat HaMishpacha. On top of all that, she welcomes new families and enriches everyone's smachot with freshly baked challah for Shabbos, always with a personal handwritten note, making everyone feel instantly seen and special.

 

We are so grateful to the Axelrods for leading our community through difficult times. During the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rabbi Axelrod and Yael made sure we stayed spiritually connected by moving shiurim and meetings to Zoom and sending regular WhatsApp updates. We continue to benefit from Rabbi Axelrod’s weekly Friday morning WhatsApp announcements, halachic guidelines before every chag, as well as his much-anticipated annual reminders to count sefira. In the painful aftermath of October 7th, Rabbi Axelrod offered clarity, chizzuk and leadership. Rabbi Axelrod and Yael each joined and participated in YINR missions to Israel offering emotional and spiritual guidance during such difficult times.

Together, Rabbi Axelrod and Yael are known for their warmth, positivity, and genuine care for every member of our community. The deep relationships they have built are a testament to the countless quiet conversations, late-night calls, shared celebrations, and steady guidance they offer so generously. As proud parents of Dovi, Akiva, Aharon, Nava, Esti and Liba, they model a life in which Torah, chessed, tefilla, and communal responsibility are not ideals spoken about from the pulpit, but values lived each day. We are immensely grateful for their leadership and privileged to honor them as they continue to serve our community.

Lori and Shai Barnea
Deena and Rafi Zlotnick