Albert Gabbai

Rabbi Albert Gabbai is the rabbi at Congregation Mikveh Israel in Philadelphia. Born in Egypt, he came to the US in 1971, after being in an Egyptian prison for three years.

Now he is the spiritual leader of Congregation Mikveh Israel, but his Jewish education includes learning at Yeshiva University. He wanted a Sephardic smicha, so he went to Rabbi Sam Kassin and the Shehebar Sephardic Center to complete his studies, pass his tests and receive his ordination. He graduated in 1989.

Rabbi Gabbai has been the rabbi of Congregation Mikveh Israel for over 20 years. It is an historic synagogue, founded in 1740 and rebuilt by the government for America’s Bicentennial. It contains many Sefer Torahs from pre-revolutionary times. During his tenure, he feels that the congregation has advanced in many ways. “The congregants are more knowledgeable about their heritage, they are more committed to Judaism, most of our children now attend Jewish day schools and we have many more services. Also, we have a very good track record at shiduchim, so within a year, there is a good chance we will marry off a single person.”

For more information, please visit the Mikveh Israel page: http://www.mikvehisrael.org/e2_cms_display.php?p=rabbis_welcome