Rabbi Michael Friedland has been our spiritual leader at Sinai Synagogue since 1996.

“When I left the seminary I thought I would serve in a synagogue similar to the type of congregation in which I grew up: a thousand family synagogue with many professionals on staff.  But after serving in a small Jewish community in Wisconsin, my wife and I realized that it was the smaller and more intimate Jewish congregation that we wanted to serve in and raise our four children.”

He has done that and much more. Sadly, his Sinai tenure is expected to conclude in 2026 when he intends to retire from official rabbinical duties.

Rabbi Friedland is many things: friend, father, Chicago White Sox fan, scholar, community leader, and personal advisor.

Kind, compassionate, patient, and caring. Learned, thoughtful, considerate, wise, and with it!

“I believe the path that the Conservative/Masorti movement offers Jews in the multi-ethnic richness of the United States is especially meaningful. Conservatism gives the Jewish people the best opportunity to maintain our religious integrity while we share in our country’s religious and cultural diversity.” 

Rabbi Friedland earned his undergraduate degree from Brandeis University and received his ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary.  He earned his Doctorate of Hebrew Letters from Chicago’s Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership and is the recipient of a Doctor of Divinity, honoris causa from JTS. 

He has been officially recognized as a Mentor Rabbi by the Conservative Movement’s Rabbinical Association for his exceptional work with rabbinical students.  Rabbi Friedland has always been involved in the wider community.  He has served as President of the United Religious Community and on the Core Executive Team of Faith In Indiana, St. Joseph County. 

As a member of the Rabbinical Assembly committee on small congregations and isolated Jewish communities, Rabbi Friedland has spoken around the world about bringing innovation and development to small congregations.