Growing up at Valley Beth Shalom, in Encino, Rabbi Linson was influenced by Rabbis Ben Zion Bergman, Moshe Babin z’l, Matthew Simon, Harold Shulweis, and Cantor Samuel Fordis. At age 16, his deep connection with Judaism nurtured by parents, extended family and the synagogue, inspired his desire to become a Rabbi and to serve the Jewish Community.

He is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley; Golden Gate University, and University of Judaism. He studied at Hebrew University, Jerusalem; Pardes Institute, Jerusalem and Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies, Jerusalem.

The Rabbi met his Israeli bride, Sima Levy, while studying in Jerusalem. They have been blessed to raise three talented children. Rabbi Linson, in his deep connection to Judaism nurtured by his parents and his years growing up at Valley Beth Shalom, turned to the love of his life, his beautiful wife Sima, and with her blessing and the encouragement of his family, began to study, at age 49, at the University of Judaism for his second career. He was ordained five years later by the Rabbinical Assembly of the Conservative movement, at the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies.

Rabbi Linson holds a degree in Near Eastern languages and advanced degrees in Rabbinical Studies, Business and Healthcare Services. He is a community leader with strategic vision and integrity. Temple Judea is fortunate to have him as our Rabbi to serve the spiritual and educational needs of Temple Judea’s members.

Cantor Josef Chazan has a beautiful voice. His melodies and impeccable Hebrew phraseology make him stand out among his peers. Born in Byelorussia, his family immigrated to Israel when he was 2 years old.

He studied at the Conservatory of Music in Tel Aviv, while also singing with the Rinat Chamber Choir. In addition, he performed in musical theatre productions throughout Israel, Europe and the United States.

In 1973, Cantor Chazan moved to the United States, received Cantorial training with Cantor/Rabbi Morris Solomon, of blessed memory, at Congregation Eilat. Thereafter, Cantor Chazan assumed the position of Cantor. He has maintained a membership with the Cantor's Assembly since 1997, and was commissioned as Hazzan Minister in 1990.

Cantor Chazan lives in Laguna Beach with his charming wife Linda. They are the proud parents of two grown children, Ital and Danya.

Sandy Bernstein has recently joined us as our Cantorial Soloist and she will be working extensively with our professional choir and leading services when our choir performs.

Sandy is a native Californian. She earned a BA degree at California State University, Northridge, majoring in music. Sandy has served as cantorial soloist at a number of congregations in Southern California, appeared in cantorial concerts, and also performed in musical theater and opera productions.

Sandy lives with her husband Gaston and four children in Torrance. She is presently enrolled in a five year program at the Academy for Jewish Religion, California. Her program will lead to a Masters degree in Jewish Sacred Music and ordination as a Cantor.

We are excited having Sandy at Temple Judea as she shares with us her energy and passion for Jewish sacred music.