Rabbi Adam M. Wright has served Temple Emanu-El in Birmingham since 2019. Under his leadership, Temple Emanu-El has strengthened its role as a center of Jewish excellence. He has led major initiatives in worship, education, philanthropy, and community engagement — from reimagining Shabbat and holiday services, to creating Birmingham’s first Hebrew ulpan program, to establishing a community religious school, and launching innovative membership models that have brought dozens of young families into synagogue life.
Rabbi Wright has also made Israel education and advocacy a cornerstone of his rabbinate, ensuring that Temple Emanu-El youth participate in immersive Israel experiences. Following October 7, 2023, he organized citywide vigils, interfaith solidarity events, and weekly prayers for hostages, strengthening ties across Birmingham’s Jewish and interfaith communities.
Previously, Rabbi Wright served as Associate Rabbi of Temple Solel in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California, where he developed nationally recognized teen programs. He has also served Jewish communities across California, including roles with Occidental College Hillel, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and congregations in Tarzana, Pacific Palisades, Fountain Valley, and Victorville.
A committed scholar as well as a congregational rabbi, Rabbi Wright earned his Master of Theological Studies at Vanderbilt University, focusing on the Ancient Near East and Early Judaism. He also holds master’s degrees in Hebrew Letters and Jewish Education, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Jewish Nonprofit Management from Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion. He is currently pursuing his doctorate at HUC-JIR, where his research focuses on contemporary Jew-hatred. His academic achievements have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Samson H. Levey Prize for Outstanding Student in Rabbinic Literature at HUC-JIR; the Nella May Overby Memorial Award at Vanderbilt; and Wheaton College’s J. Arthur Martin Prize in Religion.
Rabbi Wright has lectured widely on Jewish history and is a fellow of the Amplify Israel Rabbinic Fellowship. He serves as board chair of Rabbis United, a division of Stand With Us, and is a member of the Zionist Rabbinic Coalition. Deeply engaged in civic life, he serves as a chaplain for the Mountain Brook Police Department and is a founding member of the Highland Interfaith Society.
Originally from West Bloomfield, Michigan, Rabbi Wright is married to Dr. Rachel Wright, an internist and pediatrician at UAB. Together, they are raising three children: Lillian, Maisie, and Teddy. When not at Temple, Rabbi Wright can often be found at home cheering for his beloved Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Lions.
To reach Rabbi Wright, please call (205) 933-8037, ext. 230, or email awright@ourtemple.org.