rabbi matt rosenberg

I’m Rabbi Matt Rosenberg—an independent rabbi based in Sacramento, an educator, and a longtime leader in community resilience. I bring warmth, perspective, and real-world experience to the work I do with individuals, families, and communities.

I officiate Jewish weddings and funerals and offer guidance and support during meaningful moments in people’s lives. Whether standing with a couple under the chuppah, supporting a family in grief, or helping someone reflect on their path, I approach each conversation and ceremony with care, thoughtfulness, and respect.

My background is somewhat unusual for a rabbi, and it shapes how I show up in this work.

I studied geography at UC Davis and earned a master’s degree in geography from CSU Northridge. I’ve authored two books on geography and continue to teach as an adjunct professor.

Alongside my academic work, I’ve spent decades involved in disaster response and emergency management, including leadership roles with the American Red Cross and NECHAMA: Jewish Response to Disaster.

That experience—working with people in moments of uncertainty, crisis, and transition—has deeply shaped my rabbinic work. It has taught me how to listen carefully, respond thoughtfully, and help people find clarity and meaning when it matters most.

Earlier in my career, I served as executive director and campus rabbi at Hillel at Texas A&M, where I helped build a nationally recognized Jewish community. I later led Sacramento’s Albert Einstein Residence Center, overseeing its sale and helping guide the reinvestment of $20 million into urgent community needs.

Today, I continue this work in a new way through my role in emergency management for the State of California, contributing to statewide preparedness and resilience efforts.

Across all of these roles, the through-line is the same:

Helping people navigate meaningful moments with clarity, compassion, and purpose.

Call or text me at (916) 572-6014, or email me at rosenbergmatt@gmail.com if you’d like to connect.