Rabbi Brian Denker

Rabbi Brian Denker Rabbi & Inclusive Lifecycle Officiant, International Federation of Rabbis, NYS Chaplain Task Force It was this experience that brought about an awakening in me.

I believe that our strength as a Jewish people is rooted not only in the gift of Torah divinely inspired in our belief that the “Lord our G-d, the Lord is One” but through the flexibility, willingness and courage of our convictions to bring about change while honoring age old traditions, teachings, and ritual practices as an inclusive and welcoming community to all. My journey into the Rabbinate w

as brought about by my own personal experience when I had such a difficult time finding a Rabbi to officiate at my own wedding; a wedding between two men of two different faiths. One in which I genuinely believe no one individual should be forced to choose between being who they are and being true to themselves. No one should be forced to go without, and no one should be “excluded” from the traditions and rituals of our people that we hold dear just because of who we love. As an openly Gay Rabbi, I work with Jewish, Interfaith and Same-sex couples and families across all life-cycle events, helping to create memories that will last a lifetime while continuing to bind us to the rituals & traditions of our people passed down from generation to generation. I am an active member of the International Federation of Rabbis and a Chaplain with the New York State Chaplain Taskforce & Chaplain Member of the New York State Fraternal Order of Police working as a leading voice and advocate for policies and programs of greater diversity, acceptance, and inclusion for all. It would be my honor and privilege to get to know you and share in the joy of your upcoming celebrations.

A heartfelt thank you to Henry & Lily for sharing these beautiful moments from your intimate wedding day. What a joy and...
05/30/2026

A heartfelt thank you to Henry & Lily for sharing these beautiful moments from your intimate wedding day. What a joy and honor it was to celebrate with you and now relive the magic through the incredible lens of

What a beautiful and meaningful way to usher in Shabbat, standing with Sydney & Larry for their Ketubah signing on the e...
05/29/2026

What a beautiful and meaningful way to usher in Shabbat, standing with Sydney & Larry for their Ketubah signing on the eve of their wedding, surrounded by the love of family, tradition, and anticipation for all that is still to come. ✨

This evening carried particular sweetness for me, having had the honor of celebrating another family simcha just last year with Andrew & Rachel. There is something profoundly beautiful about being invited back into a family’s circle of joy and watching love continue to grow.

Tonight, just prior to the illumination of Shabbat candles, Sydney & Larry signed their Ketubah, an ancient Jewish covenant reminding us that love is not only a feeling, but a sacred commitment renewed day after day through care, honesty, partnership, laughter, and grace.

After years of orbiting one another, life finally brought these two together, and what a story they are writing. Tomorrow, beneath the chuppah, they will sanctify this love before God and community. But tonight, we pause in gratitude, joy, and blessing as Shabbat embraces this sacred weekend.

Mazal Tov, Larry & Syd, what an honor to walk beside you on this beautiful journey. ❤️✨

Thank you, Henry and Lilly for the kind review! Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness. It was an honor to share in th...
05/27/2026

Thank you, Henry and Lilly for the kind review! Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness. It was an honor to share in the simcha of your wedding day!

Tomorrow, my little best fur friend turns 7 🐾🎂On the eve of Evie’s birthday, I continue to be amazed by her. From the d...
05/25/2026

Tomorrow, my little best fur friend turns 7 🐾🎂

On the eve of Evie’s birthday, I continue to be amazed by her. From the day we first met, watching her grow into her own personality, quirky, loving, endlessly social, and so beautifully confident has been one of life’s greatest gifts.

She has gone from my sweet little shadow to a dog with opinions, sass, head tilts, and a determination to meet every human she encounters as if they’ve been lifelong friends.

Every single day, she fills so much of my life with joy, laughter, companionship, and love in ways words never quite capture. For anyone who says “it’s just a dog,” they’ve clearly never had their heart held by one.

Happy almost 7th birthday to my baby girl the most loving, human-obsessed, joy-filled companion a dad could ask for. 💕🐶

Some moments as a Rabbi feel especially sacred. 💕 Almost two years ago to the day, I had the honor of standing beneath t...
05/24/2026

Some moments as a Rabbi feel especially sacred. 💕 Almost two years ago to the day, I had the honor of standing beneath the chuppah with Abby’s parents Tara & Ross as they began their journey together. I’ve also had the privilege of walking beside this family in moments of remembering and healing. Today, with hearts full of joy, I welcomed sweet Abby into the covenant of our people at her Simchat Bat, bestowing upon her her Hebrew name and celebrating a new chapter of blessing, love, and Jewish life. What a gift to walk with families through life’s seasons. Mazal Tov, Abby — may your name always be a source of strength, meaning, and blessing. ✨

As we celebrate the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, we remember the moment at Sinai when Torah was first given not only as la...
05/22/2026

As we celebrate the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, we remember the moment at Sinai when Torah was first given not only as law, but as a gift. A gift of wisdom, struggle, questions, values, comfort, and direction.

Our tradition calls our sacred Torah an etz chayim a “tree of life”, deeply rooted, steadying us when life feels uncertain, while continuing to grow alongside us through every season.

And the truth is that we are all carrying something - grief, anxiety, questions, change, loneliness, hope, responsibilities all which we rarely speak aloud.

No matter one’s personal level of observance, deeply religious, culturally connected, spiritually searching, or simply seeking meaning, Torah remains a gift available to all of us. Not as something meant to burden us, but to help sustain us.

Its teachings can become an anchor when the waters feel rough and a compass when we are uncertain of direction, reminding us to choose kindness over cruelty, compassion over judgment, justice over indifference, and hope even when the road ahead feels unclear.

On Shavuot, perhaps the question is not simply what did we receive at Sinai? but what wisdom will we carry with us into the days and weeks ahead?

Because, every one of us is carrying something and none of us was ever meant to carry it alone.

Chag Shavuot Sameach, and may the wisdom of Torah continue to guide your path. 🌾📖

05/18/2026

THIS IS FOR ANYONE WHO CARES. Watch till the end. It affects each and everyone of you

For Lily & Henry, apparently b’sheret also came with Instagram’s suggested follows algorithm. ❤️Before they officially m...
05/16/2026

For Lily & Henry, apparently b’sheret also came with Instagram’s suggested follows algorithm. ❤️

Before they officially met, they had already been circling one another’s orbit at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte — both in the Honors Program, both ambitious, driven, and catching glimpses of each other at the gym. Then one day in May 2023, Henry appeared as a suggested follow on Instagram, leading to the unforgettable opening lines: “Aren’t you in the Honors Program?” …and shortly after: “What’s your Snapchat?”

(They’ve both since deleted Snapchat, which honestly feels like proof this relationship was meant for marriage.)

After a summer of nonstop conversations, one first date turned into becoming completely inseparable. From Halo Top ice cream runs to apartment hunting in NYC, they built a relationship rooted in love, support, laughter, and choosing each other every single day.

Then came a surprise proposal at The William Vale with candles, rose petals, and the NYC skyline surrounding them as Lily said yes to forever.

Mazal Tov Lily & Henry. May your marriage always be filled with adventure, partnership, joy, and endless love. ❤️

There is something especially beautiful about beginning a wedding weekend not with a party, but with family, tradition, ...
05/15/2026

There is something especially beautiful about beginning a wedding weekend not with a party, but with family, tradition, and intention. ✨

Today, ahead of Shabbat, I had the honor of joining Henry & Lily for the signing of their Ketubah — the sacred Jewish marriage covenant that reflects not only love, but partnership, responsibility, and the home they are preparing to build together.

Surrounded by those who love them most, it was a meaningful and intimate way to usher in the holiness of Shabbat and the joy of the weekend ahead.

Now, with hearts full and pens officially put down 😄, we look ahead to tomorrow when we gather beneath the chuppah to celebrate the next chapter of their story together.

Shabbat Shalom and Mazal Tov to the soon-to-be newlyweds. ❤️🍷✡️

This Mother’s Day marks the 9th without my mom. And still, the ache of that loss can feel as raw and fresh as if it were...
05/10/2026

This Mother’s Day marks the 9th without my mom. And still, the ache of that loss can feel as raw and fresh as if it were yesterday.

Judaism teaches that a mother’s love does not end when life does; The bonds of love, memory, and soul transcend time and space. There are moments when I still find myself wanting to pick up the phone, hear her voice, or share life’s joys and struggles with her. Losing a mother leaves a space in the heart that is never fully filled.

And yet, alongside grief, there is also profound gratitude. I’ve been blessed with my Aunt Lorraine, not simply as an aunt, but as a confidant, protector, friend, and in so many ways, a second mother throughout my life. At 92 years young, her love, wisdom, humor, and presence remain among my greatest blessings.

There is a quote from Proverbs, “Her children rise up and call her blessed”. Today I rise in gratitude for the women who helped shape my life, guide my heart, and teach me what unconditional love looks like.

So today, I wish my mother a Happy Mother’s Day in Heaven. I wish my beloved Aunt Lorraine a Happy Mother’s Day with all my heart.

And to all those carrying grief, memory, longing, gratitude, or complicated emotions today, may you find comfort in love that never truly leaves us, strength in cherished memories, and blessing in the people who continue to walk beside us. ❤️

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