Clergy
Rabbi Jarrod R. Grover serves as the Senior Rabbi and mara d’atra of Beth Tikvah Synagogue in Toronto. He joined the congregation at the age of 28, fresh from rabbinical school, and has proudly served the community throughout his rabbinic career.
A bilingual native of Montreal, Rabbi Grover holds a degree in Economics from Princeton University and received both his Master’s degree and rabbinical ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, where he also served as president of the student body.
Rabbi Grover is widely recognized as a leading voice in Canadian Jewish life. He is known for his passionate and intellectually rigorous sermons, accessible and inspiring Torah teaching, and devoted presence at life-cycle moments. His leadership is grounded in deep fidelity to Jewish law and tradition, Jewish peoplehood, egalitarian values, and a profound commitment to helping young people cultivate enduring Jewish identity and faith.
His deep commitment to Zionism is central to his rabbinate, and he frequently teaches, writes, and speaks on matters relating to Israel’s security, identity, and future. He regularly leads missions to Israel, bringing both Jews and non-Jews for immersive encounters with the land, the people, and the complexities of Israeli society. His experiences have included accompanying world leaders and senior public figures.
A respected figure in interfaith engagement, Rabbi Grover is a sought-after lecturer at churches and faith institutions across North America, where he presents Jewish perspectives on scripture, ethics, and contemporary issues, fostering meaningful dialogue and mutual respect between communities.
He has served in senior leadership roles within the interdenominational Toronto Board of Rabbis, the Ontario Region of the Rabbinical Assembly, and the Toronto Community Mikvah. He is a member of the Toronto Police Chief’s Jewish Community Consultative Committee and currently serves as a Chaplain with the Toronto Police Service. He also serves as the Religious and Ethical Advisor to Jewish Free Loan Toronto. In addition, he sits on the Rabbinic Cabinets of the Jewish Federations of North America, Israel Bonds, and Hillel Ontario.
Rabbi Grover has been recognized with numerous fellowships and leadership awards, including commendations from the Government of Canada. He is also professionally accredited by the Canadian Association for Pastoral Practice and Education.
To get in touch with Rabbi Grover, please email his assistant at rabbis.assistant@bethtikvahtoronto.org
Ḥazzan Tibor Kovari
Ḥazzan Tibor Kovari is a native of Cluj, Romania. He came to Beth Tikvah in 2003 from the Beth Israel Synagogue in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Previously, he served as Chief Cantor of the Choral Temple in Bucharest and the Romanian Jewish Communities as well as the Director of Jewish Education for the Federation of Jewish Communities of Romania, acting Rabbi and Cantor for each of Anna Frank High School in Budapest, Lauder Reut Jewish Kindergarten and School in Bucharest-Romania, the Hungarian Armed Forces and the Pava Street Synagogue in Budapest. He attended the Talmud Torah educational program.
He later received Rabbinical and Cantorial training at the Hungarian Rabbinical Seminary in Budapest, Hungary, Ohr Somayach educational centre in Monsey NY and, at the Federation of Jewish Communities of Romania. Tibor has sung in numerous concerts across Israel, Europe and North America.
To get in touch with Hazzan Kovari, please email him at hazzan@bethtikvahtoronto.org
Ritual Director, Irv Kirshenblat
Irv became a part of the Beth Tikvah family in 2001. He previously practised law and entered synagogue life mainly due to his passion for Judaic studies, teaching and community. He has always enjoyed teaching children, youth and adults and values engaging lay members of Beth Tikvah in ritual participation such as chanting torah, haftarot, megillot and leading prayer services.
Irv believes Jewish tradition, prayer, learning and having fun are all connected. As such, he enjoys the rhythm of the Jewish calendar and the needs of the congregation. You will not only find Irv at synagogue services, but also preparing breakfasts, tailgating, biking to work, and riding with the Beth Tikvah bike gang in the summer.
Prior to Beth Tikvah, Irv was privileged to have served in other synagogue positions including, President, Executive Director, ba’al koreh, teacher, fundraising and lay spiritual leader. He is particularly proud of his in-depth involvement in the rebuilding of Beth Radom (Toronto) and his design and supervision of the fabrication of Beth Radom’s main sanctuary ark stained glass windows, and those surrounding its main sanctuary entrance doors.
Irv was born and raised in Toronto and attended University of Toronto (B.A. Hons.), Queens University (L.L.B.) and York University (B.Ed.). He is married to Linda, and has 3 daughters, 2 son-in-laws and 3 grandchildren.
To get in touch with Irv, please email him at irv@bethtikvahtoronto.org