Rabbi Chaim-Eliezer Edelstein
Prior to entering the Rabbinical school, he studied in Jerusalem at the Fuchsberg Center Conservative Yeshiva and the Hebrew University’s Ulpan program. He graduated in 2015 from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a bachelor’s degree in Jewish Studies and minor in Arabic language.
Rabbi Edelstein studied for two years under Rabbi Shlomo Zacharow of Jerusalem for kabbalah (certification) in shechita (Kosher slaughter) of birds and livestock, and is certified in inspection of the lungs and organs for kosher status.
Currently
Rabbi Edelstein serves as Mara De-Atra (halachic authority), spiritual leader, and educator for Temple Beth Ahm of Aberdeen in New Jersey.
In his endevors as a shochet, he practices an ethical, holistic, spiritually focused shechita, upholding a strict and authentic approach to the tradition, while seeking out animals from small-scale productions and ensuring that the animals are treated with utmost care and respect throughout the process. In the past two years, Rabbi Edelstein has been studying the kabbalistic teachings on shechita, especially regarding the concept of gilgul (reincarnation or transmigration of the soul), to incorporate deeper spiritual meaning into his practice.
In his spare time, Rabbi Edelstein in working on several publications, including his first children’s book, a manual for sharpening the chalif (shochet’s knife), and a student siddur.
Rabbi Edelstein also serves as Chaplain in the Monmouth Council of Scouting America, and routinely serves as a Chaplain at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.
He lives in Aberdeen, NJ with his wife Audrey and their son Roni. You may run into him in a local coffee shop enjoying a fresh brew of single origin or specialty roast coffee.
