Rabbincal Roles
As an ordained Reform Rabbi deeply committed to Jewish learning and ideals, I offer a values-driven spirituality in everything I do. Our traditions and values help us create a better world.
Lifecycle
Baby Naming/Brit Milah
A child entering the world is our potential Messiah - our hope for the future. Your baby’s naming will be a celebration of life’s blessings.
Upsherin
A child at three frequently begins their formal education. Some communities wait until then for their first haircut (“Upsherin”) to mark this exciting new chapter. I will help you create a ritual for this exciting moment which celebrates learning, whether Jewish or secular, a core value of Judaism.
Weddings
Having performed scores of weddings, I’m excited to work with you to create a wedding experience that embraces your values and get to know you along the way. I perform weddings for LGBTQ+ and interfaith couples who are in love because we need more loving relationships in the world. Let’s celebrate the beauty and wisdom of Jewish wedding symbols in your ceremony: Chuppah (wedding canopy), Ketubah (Jewish wedding license), breaking the glass….
Bar/Bat/Brit Mitzvah
Bar, Bat, and Brit Mitzvah (“Brit Mitzvah” is new language for non-binary children) ceremonies can be catered to the needs of the families and to the capacities of children. I offer an opportunity to work with your child, including the possibility of a “Destination Bar Mitzvah” in Israel. Let’s celebrate your child’s accomplishments!
Ending Relationships
Divorce and breakups can be hard. Sometimes a ritual to acknowledge the change in reality can help both parties move forward in their healing. I will help you create a pathway to your next stage in your personal relationships, and if so desired or needed, point you to a traditional Get (Jewish bill of divorce).
Funerals, Grief Counseling and Unveiling Ceremonies
I will spend time learning about your loved one and insure that their memory is for a blessing. The ceremony is not only to honor the deceased, but also to comfort mourners, which is every bit my hope for you in this time of loss. Funerals, home Shiva services, and unveilings.
Choosing Judaism: Conversion
Are you drawn to the Jewish people, culture, world view? Have you fallen in love with a Jewish partner and want to make your spiritual life whole? I will accompany you in the journey toward becoming part of the Jewish people—as your sponsor or by guiding your course of learning—so that you can celebrate Judaism in all its beauty, power, depth of meaning, and commitment to justice.
The Jewish people want YOU! Let’s meet to set a curriculum for you. I will help you find your pathway to an introduction to Judaism class or accompany you as your sponsoring Rabbi. I will take you to the Beit Din and the Mikvah. It won’t be easy, but don’t be daunted! Help make the Jewish people more dynamic by joining us!
Spiritual/Pastoral Counseling
I know what it’s like to struggle and to be hurting inside. I also know that pain need not be permanent, at a minimum we can lessen it.
Sometimes in our lives we need spiritual guidance. We can discuss your needs for up to 3 sessions, and I will work with you to find the support system you need, including referrals to therapists who might help in realms beyond my expertise. Let’s strategize your pathway to healing!
Jewish wisdom can inform those who are grappling with the mega-issues; I would be honored to share those teachings with you.
Israel
“My heart is in the East — and I am in the uttermost West.”
Picture: My daughter Kinneret at the Kinneret (Galilee) in Israel.
I leave a small part of me every time I return from the land that my parents gently helped build, as labor Zionists seeking a Jewish safe haven in the shadows of the Shoah (Holocaust). After twelve adventures there, I know that Israeli history, culture, politics and people are far more interesting and complex than their portrayal in American media. I would happily show you this fascinating society, with all of its beauty and contradictions.
I am available for personalized trips with your family to the holy sites, the cultural sites, and our peoples’ 3,000 year old playground. We might also explore Palestinian areas with peace-oriented trip providers as well. Let’s go to Israel!
