Our Clergy
Rabbi Dr. Jules King
Senior Founding Rabbi
Rabbi@My-DOS.org
www.greaterpalmspringsrabbi.com
Rabbi Dr. King is our Founding Senior Rabbi and serves as our spiritual leader and teacher. He shares in our joys and challenges, offering uplifting and enlightening sermons that encourage and inspire. Rabbi Jules was ordained and received his מיכה S’micha/ordination from the Academy for Jewish Religion California (AJRCA) in Los Angeles, CA. He received his master’s degree in Rabbinical Studies from AJRCA and his doctorate at the Claremont School of Theology as a participant in the D. Min., Spiritual Renewal, Contemplative Practice, and the Strategic Leadership Program. Rabbi Jules was awarded the Claremont School of Theology’s Doctor of Ministry Presidential Academic Award for Excellence. His knowledge and compassion supports our Jewish beliefs and influences our practices. Instrumental in creating and developing our community, the congregation acknowledges and appreciates Rabbi Jules' sincere devotion, dedication, and passion to his rabbinate, and his desire to enhance and improve the lives of our local and global community. Read more...
Listen to Danny's Maseng's Uplifting Ma Tovu
Rabbi Chazzan Danny Maseng
Cantor@My-DOS.org
www.dannymaseng.com
For much of the last decade, Chazzan Danny Maseng was the spiritual leader of Makom LA, a post-denominational Jewish community in Los Angeles. Upon relocating to the desert, Danny was ordained as Rabbi and now joyfully serves alongside Rabbi Dr. Jules King as Chazzan/Rabbi at Desert Outreach Synagogue, in Rancho Mirage. A playwright, actor, singer, and composer, Danny has served the National Endowment of the Arts as evaluator for Opera and Musical Theater. He has been the director of the Spielberg Fellowship, the spiritual leader of Congregation Agudas Achim in NY, Artistic Director of the Brandeis Bardin Institute, and the cantor of Temple Israel of Hollywood. One of the most respected composers of contemporary synagogue music, Danny was the invited guest of the ACC and the Cantor's Assembly, as well as the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra. His compositions are sung worldwide. Desert Outreach Synangogueis grateful to experience Danny's joyful, expressive music. Read more....
Rabbi Rachel Axelrad
Associate Rabbi
RabbiRachel@My-DOS.org
Rabbi Rachel Axelrad was ordained by the Academy for Jewish Religion, California, in 2020. She has 20 years of experience as a Shaliach Tzibur in multiple service formats. Her extensive liturgical knowldege informs her leadership and highly valued teaching skills. She is experienced in providing pastoral care to individuals needing spiritual support, whether in hospitals, nursing homes, and hospice, or at funerals and memorial services. Her expertise is in working with adults of all ages, especially seniors, whether active, independent, or frail. She considers pastoral care a critical element of a rabbi’s role in the community and is always available to congregants needing spiritual support. We are blessed by her presence at Desert Outreach Synagogue. Read more...
Chaplain Randy Lester-Wilson
Chaplain Randy was raised in the Lutheran church. When he was a senior in high school, he had a “born-again” Christian experience. He began attending a full-gospel (Charismatic) church. This faith community was not a welcoming environment for someone who was a Christian and openly gay. In 1986, he found a place that welcomed his spirituality and sexuality: the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches. It was here where his Chaplaincy began. In 2003, Randy found his home in Judaism. Randy enjoys being a “cheerleader for humanity,” holding someone’s hand and heart brings untold joy and fulfillment. He also finds joy in working with others on their journey to Judaism. Randy strives to build intentional bridges with other faith communities. Currently, he is a volunteer for a local hospice agency. “Being present and establishing meaningful connections are ways I live out tikkun olam."