Los Angeles, California, – is grieving the loss of a cherished community member, Rabbi Aimee Gerace, who passed away this Shabbat after a courageous battle with breast cancer. Rabbi Gerace, known for her role as the rabbi-educator at Temple Isaiah in Los Angeles and as the Education Director at Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center, was remembered as an angelic voice, a positive spirit, and an extraordinary mother.
Rabbi Gerace’s journey in education and spirituality was marked by dedication and passion. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Jewish Studies and Spanish Language from Tulane University in New Orleans, receiving honors as the Outstanding Student in Jewish Studies. Her professional career began in Los Angeles, where she served as a youth advisor and early childhood educator for Jewish youth.
She furthered her education at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, earning her rabbinic ordination in 2013 and becoming a Mandel Fellow. Throughout her career, Rabbi Gerace actively contributed to the community. Since 2017, she had been serving as PJTC’s education director, where she shared her vision for Jewish education, emphasizing the importance of strong parent-child relationships and empowering parents to embody Jewish identity with confidence.
Jaclyn Fromer Cohen shared apost on fb on the deathh of Gerace:
Before she was part of the Temple Isaiah family, Rabbi Aimee Gerace was my friend, HUC classmate and study partner for one torturous semester of Codes. Torturous for me because of the content, tortuous for her because she had to put up with me. Nevertheless, she persisted – and thank God, because I passed the class no doubt due to her abundant patience and wisdom.
Aimee was one of a kind: a hilarious, warm, irreverent, radiant soul who gave so much to so many. I am but one of countless others across multiple communities who are devastated by this loss, and I will miss her divine spark, humor and zest for life so deeply. My heart aches for her family and loved ones, and I will join so many others in doing whatever we can to help them feel seen, embraced and cared for in the days, months and years ahead.
In 2018, just after I started at Isaiah, Tifani realized I needed a purple tallit for the upcoming High Holy Days. Aimee immediately offered hers, dropping it off at my home with a big smile and pure excitement for the journey I was just beginning with this community. Every single time I wear her purple tallit – as we just did over Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur – I will not only think of Aimee, but thank her for the many gifts of soul and spirit she gave all of us.
May her memory be a blessing.
Beyond her office, Rabbi Gerace was a familiar face, engaging in Israeli dance and sharing bagels with fellow parents. Her passion for culinary experimentation, especially with her Instant Pot and chili recipes, was widely known. Born in the San Fernando Valley, she resided in Los Angeles with her spouse Marco, their son Carson, their daughter Amalia, and their two feline companions.
The Los Angeles community remembers Rabbi Aimee Gerace not only as an educator and spiritual guide but also as a warm, irreverent, and radiant soul who brought light and laughter to everyone she encountered. As thoughts and prayers surround her grieving family, her legacy of positivity and love will continue to inspire those she touched with her presence.
ncG1vNJzZmiin5fAo7vTrGWcp51krqq5xJ5koJ2ilrCmedOepKmklWK2tK3Imp9mqpGXr6p5xJ2snJmkpL9usMieqmacpZp6tbuMm6memaOpeqStzZycq2WZo3qxrdKam56mkWKwons%3D