Rabbi Andrew M. Paley, 1986 - Heights Schools Foundation

“Being inducted into the Heights High Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame is profoundly meaningful and deeply humbling. Heights has always stood for excellence, diversity, and the power of community. As a 1986 graduate, I carry those values with me every day, shaping my life and service to others and community.”

“It is very easy nowadays to pretend to care, but you cannot pretend to show up.”

Rabbi Andrew Paley, ordained in 1995, is the Senior Rabbi and Spiritual Leader of Temple Shalom, a Reform congregation in Dallas, Texas, where he has served since 2004. In addition to his congregational leadership, Rabbi Paley serves in multiple law enforcement chaplaincy roles, including with the Dallas Police Department, the Dallas Field Office of the FBI, and the Department of Homeland Security, offering spiritual support to officers, agents, and their families.

Rabbi Paley is deeply engaged in the civic and interfaith life of Dallas. He is a founding member and past Chair of Faith Forward Dallas at Thanks-Giving Square, a member of the Muslim–Jewish Advisory Council of the American Jewish Committee (Dallas Chapter), a co-creator of Friends for Good, and a member of the Good Neighbor Task Force of Dallas City Council District 12. He has also served on the Dallas Mayor’s Task Force on Poverty and the Mayor’s Distinguished Service Award Selection Committee. His community involvement also includes service on the Community Advisory Board of the Sammons Cancer Research Center at UT Southwestern Medical Center and as past president of the Rabbinic Association of Greater Dallas.

His leadership has been recognized locally, nationally, and internationally. Rabbi Paley was a delegation member of the American Caravan for Peace to Abu Dhabi, representing the American Jewish community in global dialogue. He has also received numerous awards for his peacebuilding and interfaith efforts, including the Sultan and The Saint Peace Award (Unity Productions Foundation), the Peace Maker Award (Northwood Church), the Promoting Peace Award (Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Countries), the Chai Award (Greene Family Camp), and the Shalom Award (Temple Shalom Brotherhood).

In addition, Rabbi Paley has edited two prayer books: one for the Sabbath and another for families for the High Holy Days. Rabbi Paley is married to Deborah Niederman, R.J.E., and is the father of Molly and Samuel. He is also a lifelong Ohio State Buckeye fan.

Education

BA in Industrial & Organizational Psychology – The Ohio State University
MA in Hebrew Letters & Doctor of Divinity – Hebrew Union College – Jewish Inst. of Religion

Current Occupation

Senior Rabbi – Temple Shalom, Dallas, TX

Achievements

Co-Founder and Past Chair of Faith Forward Dallas, uniting clergy across faith traditions to promote justice, peace, and interfaith understanding.
Dallas Police, FBI, and Department of Homeland Security Chaplain, providing spiritual support and counsel to local and federal law enforcement officers and their families.
Delegation Member of the American Caravan for Peace in Abu Dhabi, representing the American Jewish community in international multi-faith dialogue for peace and understanding.
Co-Creator of Friends for Good and member of American Jewish Committee’s Muslim–Jewish Advisory Board, building innovative interfaith programs that foster trust, dialogue, and shared action.
Honored with the Sultan of Peace Award for interfaith leadership and bridge-building.
Appointed to the Dallas Mayor’s Task Force on Poverty and the District 12 Good Neighbor’s Task Force, contributing to civic policy and strengthening local community life.