Meet Our Clergy

Rabbi Michael Gotlieb

Our spiritual leader is Rabbi Michael Gotlieb. He was ordained at the Jewish Theological Seminary in 1990 where he also earned his Masters Degree in Jewish Studies. He completed his rabbinic internship at Columbia University. Before coming to KM, he served a congregation in North County San Diego for 5 years.

In addition to his congregational activities, Rabbi Gotlieb has served as president of the Rabbinical Assembly Southwest Region and is a member of the Southern California Board of Rabbis. He also volunteers at Santa Monica College Hillel and St. John’s Hospital.

Rabbi Gotlieb teaches courses at the American Jewish University and his editorials and commentaries have been published nationally.

The Rabbi’s wife, Jill, is a registered nurse and they make their home in Santa Monica. They have three children, Alissa (married to Zach Fierstadt), Jason, and Aaron, and a grandson Leo.

Rabbi Gotlieb has been the rabbi of Kehillat Ma’arav since arriving in Los Angeles in 1995.

You may reach Rabbi Gotlieb by calling the synagogue office or by e-mailing him.

Cantor Nissim Nati

Born in Santa Monica Hospital, Cantor Nissim Nati grew up in Israel from the age of 4 and into adolescence. He later studied at Ohr Elchonon Yeshiva in Los Angeles and at the Rabbincal College of America in Morristown.

He completed Pre-med program at Santa Monica College, earning an AA in Econ and an AS in General Science, then graduated UCLA with BA in Jewish Studies and a focus on Cantorial Arts and Yiddish Theater.

At UCLA, he also led the Klezmer Ensemble alongside Dr. Mark Kligman. 

Cantor Nati currently resides with his wife, Nathalie, and 14 -month-old baby, Olivia, in West LA.

You may reach Cantor Nissim by calling the synagogue office or by e-mailing him.