Our Rabbi

Rabbi CJ Mays (He/Him) is the settled rabbi for Temple Emanu-El. Originally from Tulsa, OK he studied at the University of Oklahoma and then the University of Delaware pursuing bachelors and masters degrees in Political Science before deciding to become a rabbi. Rabbi CJ wanted to combine his interest in social justice with his love of community service and organizing and decided the rabbinate was the best way to do this. He was ordained from Hebrew Union College in Los Angeles in May of 2025. Prior to his current position as Temple Emanu-El’s spiritual leader, Rabbi CJ served as a student rabbi at Ohr Shalom in Grand Junction, CO, Open Temple in Venice Beach, CA and Kol Ami in West Hollywood. 
 
Rabbi CJ is excited about exploring and developing Jewish ritual practice in new and innovative ways that speak to individual needs and make Judaism relevant for our current world. He identifies as a Reform Neo-Chasid, looking for ways to infuse Hasidic ecstatic spirituality into Reform spaces, allowing for beautiful and transformative spiritual experiences through practices like Reiki, Meditation, Heartfelt Prayer, Study, and Niggunim of course!— For Rabbi CJ, there’s no better way to get lost in the divine than a chorus of voices chanting—channeling heavenly energy. 

Rabbi CJ is also passionate about Israel and Israel education having been a part of AIPAC, the iCenter, and New Israel Fund fellowships during his time in rabbinical school. 

An avid learner of Mussar, Rabbi CJ is eager to bring his interest and study of Mussar practice to his community as a means of helping individuals grow spiritually and emotionally. Mussar practice is typically done through group learning in what's called a “Va’ad.” Learning in this way our growth becomes each other’s responsibilities–as we all collectively work to listen, understand, and uplift one another in everyone’s individual spiritual journeys. 
 
Rabbi CJ is a big plant lover, orchid enthusiast, and frequent visitor to many of Oahu’s botanical gardens. In his free time Rabbi CJ is also an amateur abstract expressionist, who loves to fling paint around and connect with himself through creativity. If you’re in the mood for art you might very well see him out and about at Honolulu’s art shows and venues.