Matt Turchin is a rabbinic student in his final year at Leo Baeck College, continuing his internship with WLS in his new role as Community Student Rabbi. Previously, Matt was on placement with the Liberal Jewish Synagogue where he was also Head Teacher of the Rimon Religion School and a tutor for b’nei mitzvah. 

Brought up in the American Reform Movement, Matt got his start in education as a teaching assistant at Temple Sinai of Glendale, California. After his Confirmation (or Kabbalat Torah) Matt became involved with Orthodox Judaism, studying in Israel and graduating from Yeshiva University in New York with degrees in Philosophy and Jewish Studies. After kosher culinary training and a few years working as a chef, Matt discovered a passion for education which led him to earn MA degrees from Rosemont College in primary education and literacy, with a focus as a Reading Specialist. He soon became involved in religion school teaching in the Conservative Movement, including Park Avenue Synagogue, alongside his role as a public school teacher, and after a few years the two worlds merged when he began teaching full-time in Jewish education as a primary school educator at Solomon Schechter School of Manhattan. 

With a renewed passion for the Progressive Judaism of his youth, Matt left his teaching position to pursue rabbinic training at Leo Baeck College in 2019, moving to London. He is excited to have the opportunity to remain with WLS for another year, expanding his role as a member of the clergy team and enjoying deeper engagement with the community. Still very much an educator at heart, Matt has a keen interest in pursuing the rabbinic angle of teaching, with a focus on child and adult education, Jewish exploration and pastoral care for families at all stages of life. 

Outside of college and rabbinic work, Matt enjoys cooking, relaxing with friends, crafting projects and seeing concerts and shows. Most of all, Matt cherishes any time he is able to spend with his wife Avi and their daughter Edith.

• Contact Student Rabbi Matt HERE
• Student Rabbi Matt's High Holy Day Sermon's: 2022   ||   2023
• Student Rabbi Matt's Thought for the Weeks HERE