Benjamin Barnett is an American rabbi based in Oregon, currently leading the Havurah Shalom congregation in Portland. Originally from Chicago, he received his rabbinic ordination from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College (RRC). Barnett views the rabbinate as an art of “deep listening,” focusing not only on spiritual growth within his congregation but also actively participating in interfaith dialogues and community organizing.
In terms of professional achievements, Barnett is known for his unique integration of contemplative practice and social justice. He served for many years as a facilitator and board member for Encounter, an organization dedicated to bringing Jewish leaders into Palestinian communities to dismantle bias through face-to-face encounters. He is also a faculty member at Or HaLev (Center for Jewish Spirituality and Meditation), where he promotes Jewish meditation and chanting to help practitioners cultivate compassion and moral resilience amidst turbulent political landscapes. His expertise in relational organizing has made him a highly influential community leader in the Portland area.
Rabbi Barnett’s support for Palestinian rights is deeply rooted in his personal experiences witnessing life under occupation in the West Bank. He maintains that Jewish conceptions of justice require looking directly at uncomfortable truths, including the toll that occupation takes on Palestinian dignity. He has publicly stated: “Acknowledging uncomfortable truths can be liberating, and we must inform our pursuit of justice with the wisdom and compassion born of spiritual practice.” He is dedicated to building a less violent world across religious and cultural lines, believing that authentic Jewish spirituality manifests in empathy and action toward the suffering of all beings.