Meet the Staff

Rabbi Garth Silberstein became the Rabbi at Bais Abraham Congregation in September 2019. Prior to that, he had served for three years as the rabbi of Kenesset Israel Torah Center in Sacramento, CA. He received his rabbinic ordination from Yeshivat Chovevei Torah Rabbinical School in 2016, and has served as a rabbinic intern at the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale-The Bayit, Congregation Shaarey Tphiloh in Portland, Maine, Congregation Kadimah-Toras Moshe in Boston, and Hazon. An out-door enthusiast with an interest in food and agriculture, Rabbi Silberstein led the Hazon Cross-USA Jewish environmental bike ride twice, and in 2014, founded Organic Yeshiva, an immersive Torah learning program that combines traditional Torah study with hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture. Rabbi Silberstein holds a BA in acting and biology from Bennington College, and has studied at the Pardes Institute for Jewish studies in Jerusalem. Prior to his rabbinic training, Rabbi Silberstein had worked as an actor, SAT tutor, waiter, and non-profit administrator. In his free time, he enjoys reading, cooking, hiking and board games.

Rabbi Silberstein is always available for pastoral guidance, and all life cycle events, such as assisting with b'nai mitzvah preparations and officiating at weddings and funerals. Please note that in accordance with Bais Abraham policy and accepted Modern Orthodox practice, Rabbi Silberstein will not perform a wedding unless there is a halachic pre-nuptial agreement in place. Such an agreement, which he will provide, has proven to be an effective tool to prevent future agunot (women whose husbands refuse to give a get - a Jewish divorce).

Get in touch with Rabbi Silberstein.

Abby Goldberg was born and raised in University City. She attended both Epstein Hebrew Academy and the Solomon Schechter Day School and graduated from John Burroughs. She went on to Yale University and studied and worked abroad. She lived in Boston for a few years teaching at the Solomon Schechter Day School of Greater Boston before moving back to St. Louis to stay. Now back in University City, mom to two kids and a big dog, Abby looks forward to getting to know the Bais Abe community and helping people come together in celebration, study, and service.

Get in touch with Abby.

Rabbi Abraham Magence zt”l (1920-2003) was the Rabbi of Bais Abraham Congregation from 1975 until his death. He was legendary for his warmth, devotion to Yiddishkeit, and genuine love for all Jews regardless of affiliation.

Rabbi Magence was born in Poland, where his father and grandfather were rabbis. He studied with many of the luminaries of the pre-war yeshiva world of Eastern Europe. Rabbi Magence spent the war years as a fugitive from Nazi and Soviet persecution and most of his family was killed in the Holocaust. He came to St. Louis in 1950 and began a career as a mohel, teacher, and rabbi that touched literally thousands of lives.