Clergy

Rabbi/Cantor Didi Thomas, the spiritual leader of Temple Emet, offers guidance, support, and religious leadership, creating an inclusive synagogue for individuals and families practicing Judaism. She brings spirituality and warmth to congregational life, inspiring individuals and families toward greater participation and an enhanced connection with Judaism. 

One of the greatest blessings in life is to know that we have passed love for Judaism, our heritage, and Torah, L’dor V’dor ~ from Generation to Generation to our children.

I do this with my own children.

We do this at Temple Emet.

Below is a You tube link produced by Mayim Bialik about woman clergy in the Orthodox Movement of which my daughter, Alissa Thomas-Newborn, is one. (She is the one featured in blue.)

May these gifted women have HaShem on their side as they move forward in their ministries. May Mayim Bialik be blessed for her courage and vision!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxwgtOpSQBM

ABOUT RABBI-CANTOR DIDI

Didi Thomas has extensive experience, as clergy and Jewish professional, providing service over the last 20 years to Congregations in Texas and Los Angeles ranging in size from 150 to 2,700 families. 

Rabbi Thomas was Ordained in New York receiving S’micha as “HaRav V'Chazzan” from the Rabbinical Seminary International, privately studying under Rabbi Joseph Gelberman z''l. She is schooled in Kabbalah, received Chaplaincy training from Zale Lipshy Hospital in Dallas, Texas, and is one of a handful of clergy serving as both Rabbi and Cantor. 

She is licensed and registered with the State of New York as a wedding officiant, is a registered Rabbi with the U.S. Federal prison system, serves as volunteer clergy for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, is a member of Los Angeles County Sheriff McDonnell’s Interfaith Clergy Council, Mayor Pat Furey’s Clergy Council for the City of Torrance, has served as 1^st LT Chaplain for the CSMR (California State Military Reserve) and is on the Circle of Advisors for the Caring House, providing spiritual and end of life support for loved ones and their families.  

A California native, child of an interfaith family, and former professional actress and singer, Rabbi Cantor Didi draws on her eclectic life experiences to bring a unique presence and musicality to all of her services. Known for her warm embracing style, she inspires participants toward a greater sense of unity and connection regardless of their faith or level of observance. Her services uplift the soul and make the heart soar; they are spiritual, multi-dimensional, and universally appealing. Rabbi Thomas is devoted to creating inclusivity and spirituality in all aspects of her rabbinate.  

Rabbi Cantor Didi has brought many couples together in marriage throughout the country in Interfaith, same sex, and traditional Judaic settings. She is passionate about creating harmony within families and promoting peace in times of need, caring for the sick, or in helping souls transition from this dimension into the next. She is comfortable with cremation and is an expert at providing sensitive pastoral care to a broad range of individuals and families with varying levels of observance and of multiple faiths. She is on call to perform funerals and memorial services for Los Angeles area cemeteries, including Hillside Memorial Park and Mount Sinai Memorial Park.

She is the founding Rabbi for Temple Emet of Torrance, which is a highly participatory community dedicated to creating a sense of family amongst congregants, enhanced worship and learning experiences, as well as a greater connection with the Divine. 

She has served as Cantor for Temple Menorah in Redondo Beach,

and as Educator, Music Specialist, or Cantorial Soloist for several large Los Angeles and Texas congregations including Temple Isaiah, Temple Israel of Hollywood, Wilshire Boulevard, Temple Aliyah, Kadima Hebrew Academy, and Temple Emanu-El of Dallas. 

Cantor Thomas has sung in the choir with renowned Jewish Composer Simon Sargon, and has appeared as guest vocalist at many Jewish Community and Federation events, Interfaith events, Synagogues abroad and in Israel. 

She has a Bachelor's Degree in Jewish Studies with High Honors from Gratz College in Philadelphia. She is also is a published poet and composer of Jewish music for young children with songs featured in the Religious/Day School Collection – Manginot II.

Having worked as a professional actress and singer, she is a member of the Screen Actor's Guild, the American Federation of Radio and Television Artists, and Actor's Equity Association. Prior to her work in Jewish Synagogue life, Rabbi Didi worked in all mediums of film, television and theater, with training from the Beverly Hills Playhouse and USC.

Rabbi Cantor Didi brings warmth and light to her pulpit and is devoted to creating a worship experience where truth and spirituality coexist. Being inclusive is paramount to her and her congregants, where all can come together with open hearts, minds and souls to experience the Divine.