Rabbi Bruce Aft

Rabbi Bruce D. Aft was the spiritual leader at Adat Reyim in Springfield, VA from 1991 until 2020. He grew up in the Chicago suburbs and developed an early love for Judaism — and the Chicago White Sox. He played on the University of Illinois varsity reserve team for a few years, and then turned his attention to the rabbinate and social work, receiving an MSW from Temple University, ordination from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, and eventually an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree.

In addition to teaching at Kol Ami, Rabbi Aft is a visiting scholar at George Mason University in the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution. He is an adjunct professor in religion and the Honors College at GMU.  He also works with Jewish students at GMU and lectures for the Learning and Retirement Institute at GMU. He is past president of the community board for Operation Understanding DC. He also serves as a visiting lecturer at Greenspring Village and a Chaplain for the Jewish Social Service Agency. He is currently the President of the Hillel Community Board at GMU.

Rabbi Aft also continues to serve small congregations in the South through the Institute for Southern Jewish Life.  He blogs at https://rabbibruceaft.blogspot.com.  In retirement, Rabbi Bruce and Sue enjoy visiting their four children and eight grandchildren.