Rabbi Rafi Lipner has served as the rabbi of Congregation Shaarei Tefillah in Toronto since 2012. He graduated from Toronto's Yeshivat Or Chaim high school and then continued his studies at Yeshivat HaKotel in Jerusalem, followed by Yeshiva University where he ultimately received his B.A. in Economics, Master of Education, and completed his Semicha (rabbinic ordination) at Rabbeinu Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary.
Warm and enthusiastic, Rabbi Rafi is a charismatic spiritual leader with an eye on the future. After traveling the globe to participate in educational programs in Israel, the US, Europe, and Australia, he finally returned to Toronto where he was born. For nearly 10 years, Rabbi Rafi served as a popular Hebrew Studies teacher at TanenbaumCHAT high school. Eight years ago, he singlehandedly founded The House, a young adult drop-in learning centre, with which he is still active. Today, The House engages and inspires over 1000 young participants annually.