Hineini - Here I Am!
Born and raised in Miami, I've been a Chicagoan since college. I've been married, divorced, and married again. I've raised kids and watched them leave the nest. I've studied spirituality with abandon, become obsessed with knitting, and have always been in search of the next great read. Synagogues have been my thing for 15 years...volunteering, leading, consulting, slaving away at the most mundane of tasks in pursuit of community survival.
I have a Bachelor's Degree from Northwestern University, a certificate in Non-Profit Management from the University of Illinois/Chicago and I received my rabbinic ordination from the Jewish Spiritual Leader's Institute. I've worked for congregations, the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation, and for numerous Jewish software companies. I am currently the Director of Faith Service Operations for Shulware. I've spoken at conferences and retreats and my writing has been published in newspapers, magazines, and online. I completed a course in Jewish spiritual direction and I've coached, counseled and taught Jewish meditation.
I am a member of the International Federation of Rabbis and the Jewish Communal Service Association.
I have a Bachelor's Degree from Northwestern University, a certificate in Non-Profit Management from the University of Illinois/Chicago and I received my rabbinic ordination from the Jewish Spiritual Leader's Institute. I've worked for congregations, the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation, and for numerous Jewish software companies. I am currently the Director of Faith Service Operations for Shulware. I've spoken at conferences and retreats and my writing has been published in newspapers, magazines, and online. I completed a course in Jewish spiritual direction and I've coached, counseled and taught Jewish meditation.
I am a member of the International Federation of Rabbis and the Jewish Communal Service Association.
My Philosophy
My license plate says "TEKIAH." We sing this Hebrew word during the High Holy Days when we blow the shofar. It is intended to wake us up. Just like the rooster in the traditional morning prayer, I believe our life's mission is to awaken...to our truest selves and our greatest gifts. And, I believe that Judaism is just one of many avenues that can help us in the awakening process.
My philosophy regarding Judaism is most closely aligned with the Jewish Reconstructionist Movement founded by Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan in the 1930's. One of Rabbi' Kaplan's most famous quotes is that "the past has a vote, but not a veto." I agree that our traditions are important in tying us together as a people, but I also feel that every generation must work to make Judaism continually relevant and meaningful.
If you aren't familiar with Jewish Reconstrucitonist philosophy, here is the best synopsis I've read by Rabbi Richard Hirsh...Click Here.
My philosophy regarding Judaism is most closely aligned with the Jewish Reconstructionist Movement founded by Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan in the 1930's. One of Rabbi' Kaplan's most famous quotes is that "the past has a vote, but not a veto." I agree that our traditions are important in tying us together as a people, but I also feel that every generation must work to make Judaism continually relevant and meaningful.
If you aren't familiar with Jewish Reconstrucitonist philosophy, here is the best synopsis I've read by Rabbi Richard Hirsh...Click Here.
