Rabbi Mark Borovitz

Rabbi Mark Borovitz Senior Rabbi & Spiritual Leader

Rabbi Mark Borovitz is the senior Rabbi and spiritual leader of the Beit T'Shuvah recovery program and Congregation Beit T'Shuvah.  Rabbi Mark's personal spiritual journey and his Rabbinic education provides a unique and valuable perspective on Jewish culture and learning.  His recently published memoir, The Holy Thief, co-written with Alan Eisenstock, chronicles his journey from con man to Rabbi and community leader.  In early 2004, Mark was one of 7 people invited to a roundtable discussion with President George W. Bush about faith and recovery.  Mark was also mentioned in President Bush's speech before the 1st Conference on Faith-Based Initiatives.

Rabbi Mark is a graduate of National University with a Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Science, a recipient of a Masters in Rabbinic Literature, and was ordained as a Rabbi from the University of Judaism. He has been the recipient of numerous awards and recognition for community service.

The spiritual journey that led Mark Borovitz to Beit T'Shuvah began many years ago when he was serving as an inmate Rabbi's Clerk at the California State Prison in Chino.  His program of spiritual recovery and unique approach to the teaching of the Bible - based on both traditional scholars and the principles of the 12 Step program of Alcoholics Anonymous - make his message uniquely accessible to those who come to Beit T'Shuvah with disordered lives and a desire to return to spiritual values.

Mark draws attention to the problem of addiction and to the powerful ammunition against it, both in counteraction and prevention.  He has been invited to speak at numerous centers across the United States.  He has been a panelist at many seminars discussing Spirituality and Recovery, including CASA at Columbia University.  In a recent speaking engagement, Rabbi Mark was described as one who ".takes a very personal and meaningful approach to Torah.  [He] makes it real and practical.  [His] interpretation gives Torah a new sense of importance, vitality, and something to grasp onto, beyond the historical and ethical merits.  I think [his] views inspire people to want to learn more."

The story of Mark Borovitz and his work is also featured in a chapter of the book, Stalking Elijah by Roger Kamenetz.  Mark has been featured in articles in Los Angeles Times, Moment Magazine and The Jewish Journal, newspapers across the country and in The Wall Street Journal. 

Mark is married to Harriet Rossetto, the founder of Beit T'Shuvah.  They share the dream of Beit T'Shuvah, working in harmony to further T'Shuvah and Recovery through Faith in the world.