Andrew Sklarz is a self-described non-conformist . With his warm and compassionate manner, he guides and supports his clients in the journey of self-discovery.  Having endured his own personal challenges, Andrew seeks to use them as learning experiences through personal growth. Andrew reflects, "All human beings experience challenges; no one goes through life unscathed."

 

Andrew has been surviving and thriving with Leukemia for more than twenty years. Cancer has led him to become a spokesperson and volunteer for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and a marathon cyclist for the American Cancer Society. Andrew is a recipient of the Hero’s Award from the Israel Cancer Research Fund.  His personal journey has given him a deeper understanding of the joys and challenges of life. 

 

Andrew is a yoga enthusiast, an exercise fanatic, a lover of theater and music and an avid cyclist. He is a recipient of an honorary doctorate from the Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion, where he was ordained as a rabbi.  

 

Rabbi Sklarz and his wife are the proud parents of a daughter and son. Andrew serves as rabbi of the Reform Temple of Putnam Valley, in Putnam Valley, New York. He lives by the mottos, Carpe Diem – live every day to the fullest, and the words of Friedrich Nietzsche, “That which does not kill us, makes us stronger!” 

​

​

RABBINIC EXPERIENCE

 

Rabbi, Reform Temple of Putnam Valley, Putnam Valley, NY  2021- present 

​

Rabbi, Temple Beth Am, Parsippany NJ  2018-2021

 

​

Rabbi, Greenwich Reform Synagogue (GRS), Greenwich, CT  2008-2017

 

​

Rabbi, Temple Beth Torah (TBT) Philadelphia, PA  1997-2004 and

Old York Road Temple - Beth Am (OYRT-BA) Abington, PA  2004-2007

 

​

Rabbi, Reform Temple of Putnam Valley, Putnam Valley, NY  1991-1997

 

​

​

 

EDUCATION

 

Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion

Honorary Doctor of Divinity, 2016

 

Rabbinic Ordination, 1991

Thesis: Psychological and Literary Aspects of the Holocaust Survivor

 

M.A., Hebrew Literature, 1990

 

 

Fordham University, School of Social Service, New York, NY

Master of Social Work (M.S.W. Clinical Major), 1993

 

 

Fairfield University, Fairfield, CT

M.A., School Psychology, 1988

 

 

Clark University, Worcester, MA

B.A., Judaic Studies, 1981 

 

 

Tel Aviv University

​

​

​

PASTORAL COUNSELING & CHAPLAINCY

​

 

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center; Norwalk Hospital; Westchester County Medical Center 

 

​

​