Tom Gutherz

Rabbi Tom Gutherz serves as the Senior Rabbi at Congregation Beth Israel in Charlottesville, Virginia. He has been with the congregation since 2005, initially taking on the role of Rabbi Educator before becoming Senior Rabbi in 2016. Gutherz was ordained in 1993 and has played a significant role in the community, particularly in response to the Unite the Right rally that took place in Charlottesville in August 2017. This event profoundly impacted his leadership and the congregation's engagement with social justice issues, fostering interfaith collaboration and community resilience .14

Under his guidance, Congregation Beth Israel has focused on building stronger relationships with local faith leaders and addressing issues of racial justice. Gutherz emphasizes the importance of preparedness and solidarity among different faith communities in confronting hate and violence .13 He is also recognized for his efforts to increase awareness of ongoing antisemitism and to mobilize support for affected communities .35

In addition to his spiritual leadership, Gutherz is actively involved in various initiatives aimed at enhancing Jewish education and community outreach within Charlottesville .24 His commitment to social justice and interfaith dialogue continues to shape the congregation's mission and activities.