About Our Rabbi
Rabbi Helayne Shalhevet, a Long Island native, was raised in Wantagh. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Jewish Studies from the University of Maryland, followed by a year of study at the Pardes Institute in Jerusalem. She then began her studies at Hebrew Union College, including a second year of immersive study in Jerusalem. Rabbi Shalhevet was ordained from Hebrew Union College in 2009 where she also received a Masters in Religious Education as well as a Masters in Hebrew Letters.
Rabbi Shalhevet felt right at home as soon as she walked through the doors of Temple Beth Emeth, began serving the congregation in 2010, and is now the congregation’s longest-serving Rabbi. She is passionate about creating meaningful and engaging worship experiences, teaching learners of all ages, nurturing within the congregation a connection with Israel, and offering compassionate pastoral care throughout every stage of life. She strives to inspire in each individual a lasting love for Judaism and its values.
A lifelong participant in the Reform Movement, Rabbi Shalhevet is a proud alumna of its youth group (NFTY) and its camping programs. Today, she continues that commitment as a faculty member at the URJ Crane Lake Camp. She also serves as Secretary of the Suffolk County Board of Rabbis and is actively involved in fostering interfaith relationships within the broader community.
In her free time, Rabbi Shalhevet enjoys baking, spending time at the beach, and playing board games with family and friends.
She lives in Plainview together with her wife Rabbi Jaimee Shalhevet and their children Sam, Gabi, Ben & Jake.