RA Rabbis Are...

Place of Ordination: Zeigler School of Rabbinic Studies
Ordination Year: 2006
Current Employer: Various
Current Job Title: Visiting Rabbi

Why did you want to become a rabbi?:

I wanted to become a rabbi because I thrive on teaching people of all ages. I love that the rabbinate draws upon all of my gifts that I want to share with the world. It is stimulating and meaningful for me to go from sharing my love of Judaism with preschoolers to comforting families who have lost a loved one, to partnering with a Board of Directors to strategize about a vibrant future, all of which can happen in one day.

Did someone “tap” or influence you to become a rabbi? What’s that story?:

I became a rabbi because a rabbi asked me! I am forever grateful to Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson who welcomed me into this life path that has enriched my life beyond what I could have ever possibly imagined. He was the rabbi who was a significant teacher to me, married me to my partner Jeff, and ordained me - what a life path!

What is the most meaningful aspect of your rabbinate?:

I currently serve as a visiting rabbi for different communities across the US. It is incredibly meaningful to me because I get to advise and consult with communities who are so grateful for my presence and my offerings. I love supporting rabbis who are on vacation or sabbatical, to be with their communities, and hold them while their clergy recharges and regenerates. I also help in communities who do not have a full time rabbi, I provide a clergy presence during a liminal time, and strategize to explore creative approaches to attract and retain a rabbi.

What brings you joy in your rabbinate?:

It brings me joy to feel the openness that people bring to me in significant moments of their lives. It is bittersweet for me that many of these moments happen when I guide a family through the meaningful end-of-life rituals that are a part of our millenia-old tradition. To be present for families in their time of need is uplifting. In my work as a consultant, I love supporting communities who are soul-seeking: to become the kind of community they want to be in the future

How is the rabbinate an expression of your Jewish values?:

I truly believe in the power of community. Being a rabbi means I get to support synagogues to create and nurture communities of meaning that are so desperately needed in the world.

How has your career as a rabbi impacted the world?:

My career has surprised a lot of people who don't expect someone who converted to Judaism to be a rabbi! As a mother to three adult children and two grandchildren, I also feel that I have helped to expand the "picture" of what a rabbi can look like!

What is your message to those considering the rabbinate?:

My inspiration comes from my dear friend Elana who says: “Whatever I have put into the life of a community, I have received back more than I ever could have imagined.

What is one book that has most influenced your life?:

Does the Soul Survive? A Jewish Journey to Belief in Afterlife, Past Lives & Living with Purpose by Rabbi Elie Kaplan Spitz

What is one piece of Jewish music that you love to listen to?:

Kol Ha Olam Kulo by Yosef Goldman

How are you engaging the next generation in Judaism and the rabbinate?:

Staying in touch one-on-one with teen and college-age human beings helps me to kindle that flame for the next generation.

Place of Ordination: Jewish Theological Seminary
Ordination Year: 2011
Current Employer: Mosaic Law Congregation
Current Job Title: Pulpit Rabbi

Why did you want to become a rabbi?

I chose to become a rabbi in college. I was taking a Hebrew class for the retro credits and the topic was the Haskalah (Jewish Enlightenment). I was amazed that the maskilim (proponents of the enlightenment), while secular individuals, knew their Bible cold, wrote in beautiful Hebrew, and had an intense connection with the Land of Israel. I said if these individuals still have the Jewish spark, how much more so should I as someone who was somewhat religious? I changed my major from History/Political Science to History/Hebrew/Jewish Studies.

I also wanted to become a rabbi because I am a people person and get great meaning from making a difference in people's lives through counseling, hospital visits, and life cycle events. In addition as a rabbi, you never know what the following day will bring- what connections you will make, what insights you will gain from studying, and how you will help transform the lives of others. I have always viewed the rabbinate as a vocation, not a job.

Lastly, while not a calling, I believe I've been guided by the hand of God, which is in the details.

Did someone “tap” or influence you to become a rabbi? What’s that story?

Rabbi Lee Buckman was my greatest influence in becoming a rabbi. After graduating from day school in 8th grade I wanted to continue my Jewish Studies, and Rabbi Buckman offered to teach me Sefer (The Book of) Amos. I told him, "Rabbi, what if I'm the only one interested in learning?" He replied, "Even if it is just you and me, I will teach you." The fact that a rabbi of a 700-family congregation would give up an hour of his time every week to teach me was mind-blowing. While Rabbi Buckman likely did not know he was tapping me, I have wanted to be for others what he was for me.

Place of Ordination: Jewish Theological Seminary
Ordination Year: 1999
Current Employer: Women's League For Conservative Judaism
Current Job Title: Executive Director

Why did you want to become a rabbi?

I loved teaching and learning Torah.

Did someone “tap” or influence you to become a rabbi? 

Rabbi Benjamin Kreitman always encouraged me to be a rabbi. He gave me the opportunity to teach and preach when I was young and continued to encourage me my entire life to pursue the rabbinate.

What is the most meaningful aspect of your rabbinate?

Showing women who did not have the opportunity when they were younger, that they can now, no matter how old they are, or what background they come from, they can take a more active part in their synagogue and Jewish Community. I love showing how esoteric text, and not-so-esoteric Jewish text, can still be very meaningful and relevant today.

What brings you joy in your rabbinate?

Hearing that others want to learn and participate and that they have also learned how to relate Jewish texts and values each day of their lives.

How is the rabbinate an expression of your Jewish values?

Seeing presence of God in every person I meet. Bringing God, Torah, and Israel into the world each day.

How has your career as a rabbi impacted the world?

More people, especially women, feel a greater connection to Torah.

What is your message to those considering the rabbinate?

It can be very challenging. And one needs to remember why they wanted to be a rabbi in the first place. And never lose sight of the person you see in the mirror. That person is not the title or job, but a human being. The relationships we form with our family and loved ones are more important than our relationships with the people who write our pay checks. Because at the end of the day, we should remember that the rabbinate should be a calling, not just a job. If it is just a job, when we change jobs, we may think we lose our identity. But not so - we are always klei kodesh.

What is one book that has most influenced your life?

Are you there God? It's me, Margaret taught me about talking to God and having a personal relationship with God.

What is one piece of Jewish music that you love to listen to?

Ana B'koah. And "Avodah" by Ishay Ribo

If you have a pet with a funny/punny Jewish name, please share!

I used to have a dog named Mazel, z"l.

What “pipeline initiatives” have you created in your community to engage the next generation?

Personally, I model to my own 3 children what it means to be Jewish and part of a community. I also encourage women to teach.

Place of Ordination: Jewish Theological Seminary
Ordination Year: 1994
Current Employer: Congregation Ahavas Israel
Current Job Title: Pulpit Rabbi

What is the most meaningful aspect of your rabbinate?

There's nothing like a funeral to see how Jewish ritual and community supports and lifts people when they are at their lowest. And the rabbi is at the center, supporting and, in some ways, protecting the family as they face the worst moments of their lives. Speaking about the deceased, a person that you as rabbi have known for decades, framing a life with Jewish values, is a privilege.

What is your message to those considering the rabbinate?

Think about the small congregation and the small or isolated communities. Bigger does not mean better. I can't imagine that my life and rabbinate would have been more fulfilling and enjoyable anywhere other than Grand Rapids, MI.

What is one book that has most influenced your life?

Torah. But I think you mean something other than Torah. The Chosen, by Chaim Potok. It was my first glimpse into observant Jewish life and serious and scholarly Torah study.

If you have a pet with a funny/punny Jewish name, please share!

We used to have a dog named Rafi. Some people at the dog park thought his name was a pun on Ruffy.

Place of Ordination: Jewish Theological Seminary
Ordination Year: 1998
Current Employer: Temple Beth Am
Current Job Title: Pulpit Rabbi

Why did you want to become a rabbi?

I wanted to become a rabbi to share my love of learning Torah, my love of Hashem, and my love of the Jewish people. As the child of a Holocaust survivor I felt it was very important to share the LOVING and beautiful side of Judaism not just the suffering and loss.

Did someone “tap” or influence you to become a rabbi? What’s that story?

I had a tremendous amount of respect for my pre-confirmation and confirmation teacher Rabbi Marvin Labinger. He made learning interesting and fun, and he was my favorite religious school teacher. When he asked me to do the speech at my confirmation, I knew that I wanted to become a rabbi.

What is the most meaningful aspect of your rabbinate?

I truly love speaking from the bimah and teaching, but there is something extra powerful that happens when I deliver a powerful eulogy and provide comfort to the family and those in attendance at funerals. For better or worse, I have performed hundreds of funerals over the course of my 26 years as a rabbi and I have developed a system and style for writing eulogies that is effective and comforting for families. It is important to me to be able to bring comfort, connection to Judaism, and connection to God during a very difficult moment in people's lives.

What brings you joy in your rabbinate?

I get tremendous joy from watching my congregants, adults and students, live their Judaism, try new skills at synagogue, and take on new mitzvoth. This past year I taught a class on the 613 mitzvot and encouraged people to take on a new mitzvah and report back to me how it was going. I was surprised how incredibly seriously several of my congregants took the challenge, and how they've incorporated new mitzvot into their daily lives.

How is the rabbinate an expression of your Jewish values?

The rabbinate is a career where I have the opportunity every day to share my thoughts and beliefs with others. Moreover, people often use me as a role model, so when I say that I value a particular mitzvah, act of hesed, etc., others then think about how or if they can also do those things.

How has your career as a rabbi impacted the world?

I have worked in five congregations in five cities, interacting with many thousands of people during this time. Every time I speak from the bimah I share the side of Judaism that focuses on the good, the loving, and working to make the world better. I also have always been involved in interfaith work and have shared my honest thoughts on the challenges of the times. Spreading the message of Judaism as an optimistic, love-filled, spiritually fulfilling religion as opposed to the stereotypes that non-Jews often have, is very important and I believe will bear more fruit over time. Years ago I spent time developing a curriculum for non-Jews at a Jewish day school that I also believe will impact those students far into their futures.

What is your message to those considering the rabbinate?

I believe being a pulpit rabbi is one of the absolutely most rewarding things one can do. However, it is not for those who do not have thick skins, who truly don't know how to deal with other people, and who don't know how to bite their tongues at least once a day. One has to have a strong sense of self, a strong family (because it will definitely impact your relationship with your spouse and your children), and a strong desire to be immersed in "synagogue" life, which is not always the same as "regular" life. Finally, if you decide to become a pulpit rabbi, do not put your family last and your congregation first. That is neither a way to model work/life balance to others or a way to keep your family healthy and happy and your congregation realistic about the "role" of a rabbi.

What is one book that has most influenced your life?

There are far too many books for me to choose one single book. However, my neshamah has been most touched by my readings in the Humash from the time I was a pre-teen attending services with my father on Shabbat mornings. No matter how many times I read the same stories and the commentaries, I always find inspiration, and am filled with pride anew at the wisdom of the rabbis and the gift that Hashem gave our people.

What is one piece of Jewish music that you love to listen to?

I love listening to various versions of Lekha Dodi. I know at least a dozen versions and love learning more. On the other hand, the song that often pops into my head at random times is actually Ehad Mi Yodea, both the traditional Hebrew version and the English version I grew up with. It could be middle of summer, Hanukkah, any time of year and I often find myself singing that. My granddaughter is only six months old and I must have sang it to her already at least a dozen times.

Place of Ordination: Jewish Theological Seminary
Ordination Year: 2002
Current Employer: Congregation Har Shalom
Current Job Title: Pulpit Rabbi

Why did you want to become a rabbi?:

I have been possessed with a love of all things Jewish, and the Jewish people since childhood. Due in large-part to the influence of my beloved grandparents, I learned to treasure my Jewish heritage and identity. When I discovered that I could create a life of serving the Jewish people and promoting our most sacred wisdom, traditions, and values, I knew that’s what I wanted to do!

Did someone “tap” or influence you to become a rabbi? What’s that story?:

When I was in Hebrew school, my childhood rabbi noticed that I was a little more interested than the average kid. He really zeroed in on that and began encouraging me to consider the rabbinate soon after my bar mitzvah. He encouraged me to go to Israel when I was 16, and to pursue Jewish learning and growth. In my own rabbinate I really try to notice people, and to help them actualize their Jewish interests.

What is the most meaningful aspect of your rabbinate?:

I love teaching Torah. There is nothing quite as thrilling as introducing people to the richness of our tradition—whether as children or adults. For those with a more sophisticated Jewish background, it is so powerful to go even deeper in the tradition as they continue their learning.

What brings you joy in your rabbinate?:

I am now at the stage of my rabbinate (and service to my congregation) where I am sharing multiple life cycle events and milestones with families in my shul. Accompanying people in moments of great joy as well as profound sadness, and everything in between is such a holy gift, and I treasure the ever deepening relationships I have with my congregants.

How is the rabbinate an expression of your Jewish values?:

First of all, being a rabbi means living a life of Torah. It is also about being a servant of God, and a promoter of the mitzvot and our beautiful way of life. I couldn’t ask for a more meaningful vocation.

How has your career as a rabbi impacted the world?:

I imagine the rabbinate as planting seeds that I have the responsibility to water and nourish and cultivate in the hopes they will sprout and blossom in the future. By sowing seeds of Jewish joy, a love of Torah, Israel, Shabbat, holidays, etc., I hope I am instilling something in people’s hearts that will develop into lifelong commitments and connections to Judaism/the Jewish people.

What is your message to those considering the rabbinate?:

Despite the impression that rabbis have no life of their own or that they are at the beckon call of their communities 24/7, in truth there are certainly ways to create a healthy work-life balance. There is not a single day when I feel that I haven’t accomplished something meaningful or important for someone. It is truly avodat kodesh!

What is one book that has most influenced your life?:

Abraham Joshua Heschel’s God in Search of Man. I return to it often and it continues to inspire me and enrich my soul. 

What is one piece of Jewish music that you love to listen to?:

I love modern Israeli music, especially Yishai Ribo, who combines traditional language and liturgy with modern sound.

If you have a pet with a funny/punny Jewish name, please share!:

Our first dog’s name was Mazel. He was a rescue, so he had a lot of mazel, and we felt pretty fortunate too! Our current dog is Luna, because we got her on Rosh Chodesh! Both are beloved by kids and families in our shul!

What initiatives have you created in your community to engage the next generation?:

I try to really stay connected with kids, and occasionally encourage people to consider the rabbinate—just as my childhood rabbi did for me. I hope to be a positive, inspiring dugma (model) for a life of service to God, Torah, and the Jewish people!

Place of Ordination: Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies
Ordination Year: 1999
Current Employer: VA Hospital
Current Job Title: Chaplain

Why did you want to become a rabbi?

I wanted to be involved in spiritual care for the community, whether congregational or institutional. I had a very deep and wide education from my early years, growing up in Boston and graduating from Hebrew Teachers College with a B.J.ed and M.H.lit. I was unable to consider the rabbinate in my younger years but was able to once I was living in a place where there was a rabbinical school and women were already being admitted to the rabbinate.

Did someone “tap” or influence you to become a rabbi? What’s that story?

Actually, when I was living in Texas, I was active in my synagogue and members would approach me and ask questions about holidays, rituals, and practices. When I would say to them, "Go ask the rabbi," the response was, "You are a rabbi!"

What is the most meaningful aspect of your rabbinate?

I feel that my mission is to validate people. I value everyone with whom I interact. Since I am at the VA Hospital, I work with both Jewish and non-Jewish patients, families, and staff. My work is so varied, I cannot predict what will happen in my daily practice.

What brings you joy in your rabbinate?

I feel joyful that I can be accessible to the community.

How is the rabbinate an expression of your Jewish values?

I follow through with what I believe.

How has your career as a rabbi impacted the world?

I hope it has, but I do not know how my career has impacted the world.

What is your message to those considering the rabbinate?

Be prepared for whatever comes your way. Study and study and study some more. The more you know, the better rabbi you will be. Be sure to focus on knowledge of Torah and Hebrew, especially speaking Hebrew. Focus on Israel and its impact on Jews.

What is one book that has most influenced your life?

This is a hard question. I read the Torah weekly, also commentaries. I read both Hebrew and English books. One book which influenced me was An Independent Woman.

What is one piece of Jewish music that you love to listen to?

To Live Another Summer.

What initiatives have you created in your community to engage the next generation?

I am involved with Jewish War Veterans and write a monthly column. Additionally, I attend JWV meetings and participate in their activities.

Place of Ordination: Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies
Ordination Year: 2011
Current Employer: Congregation B'nai Israel (Orange County, CA) 
Current Job Title: Pulpit Rabbi

Why did you want to become a rabbi?
Rabbi Brad Artson told me that the best part of being a rabbi was never needing to have a conversation about the weather. That has been absolutely true. I went into this business for the meaningful conversations and have never stopped feeling so damn grateful and honored that people are willing to let me into their world with love and trust.
 
Did someone "tap" or influence you to become a rabbi? What's that story?
On the first Shabbat of my freshman year at UCLA, Rabbi Chaim Seidler-Feller brought a group of us into his library. Books were piled high to the ceiling, standing straight in columns, sprawled out half open on the desk. Leather bound volumes printed in Venice six hundred years ago and manuscripts direct from publishers still waiting to be typeset and books on topics I didn't even know existed. He got a little smile on his face and said: "We just needed to reinforce the foundation under this part of the house, from the weight." And my first thought was, "I want to know what's inside." No exaggeration - the last twenty-two years of my life have been a response to that moment.
 
What is the most meaningful aspect of your rabbinate?
For ten years I ran the Miller Intro to Judaism Program, which is the largest program for people converting to Judaism in North America. During that time I was personally involved in more than 1,000 conversions. I am so incredibly proud to have walked with all those courageous souls who chose our family as theirs.
 
What brings you joy in your rabbinate?
There is nothing better than getting to learn with people, to discover new insights, to help foster connections, to feel that tremendous alive-ness that comes when people get together to talk about the things that really matter. To be invited to be someone's teacher, and to realize that good teachers are always learning from their students, is the most joyful privilege imaginable.
 
What is your message to those considering the rabbinate?
The best part of being a rabbi is never needing to talk about the weather!
 
If you have a pet with a funny/punny Jewish name, please share!
Our dog growing up was Shayna Punim Greenwald. Current one is Motek. I advocated to name her Musaf, since she was an addition to the family that I wasn't sure we really needed -- but was summarily out-voted.