About Rabbi Bill Kaplan

Rabbi Bill Kaplan is a rabbi, Jewish educator, nonprofit executive, and community leader with more than three decades of experience strengthening Jewish life through experiential education, camp, retreat, environmental, and community-building programs. For 36 years, he has helped shape the vision and growth of Shalom Institute, one of Southern California’s leading centers for Jewish experiential education, where he served as Chief Executive Officer and now serves as CEO Emeritus.

Under Rabbi Bill’s leadership, Shalom Institute expanded its reach and impact through innovative programs serving thousands of children, teens, families, and adults each year. The organization’s diverse initiatives include Camp JCA Shalom, a premier residential Jewish summer camp; Camp Gesher, North America’s overnight camp for Russian-speaking Jewish children and families; Shemesh Farms, an employment and social enterprise program for adults with diverse abilities; and year-round retreats, educational experiences, and leadership programs for synagogues, schools, Jewish federations, JCCs, and community organizations.

As a rabbi and educator, Rabbi Bill is known for integrating Jewish learning with nature, environmental stewardship, gardening, and hands-on experiences. He developed the concept of “Edible Judaism,” an innovative educational approach that uses organic and biblical gardens to teach Torah, Jewish values, Israel, holidays, culture, and history in meaningful and engaging ways. Through this work, he has inspired learners of all ages to connect Jewish tradition with the natural world and everyday life.

Rabbi Bill serves as a rabbi for Malibu Jewish Center & Synagogue, where he leads High Holy Day services, beach Shabbat gatherings, adult learning opportunities, and other community programs. He also officiates weddings, funerals, baby namings, and other lifecycle events, helping individuals and families celebrate meaningful moments with warmth, spirituality, and personal connection.

A respected leader in the Jewish communal field, Rabbi Bill has served multiple terms on the Board of Directors of the Jewish Community Centers Association of North America (JCCA) and on the Steering Committee of the Board of Rabbis of Southern California. He is widely recognized for his collaborative leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to building vibrant Jewish communities.

Rabbi Bill earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wesleyan University, an MBA in Nonprofit Management from American Jewish University, and rabbinic ordination from the Academy for Jewish Religion in Los Angeles.