Shana Goldstein Mackler
Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
Rabbi Mackler came to the temple right after her ordination. She brought with her not only her extensive academic knowledge of Judaism, but also the heart of Judaism. Her kindness knows no bounds and always, always reminds us of what it means to be a Jew in these often dangerous times. She shows me on a daily basis the importance of striving for social justice when justice seems so far out of reach for us, our Muslim brothers and sisters, the Latino community, the LGBTQ community. For me, she is the epitome of just what it means to be a Jew in one’s heart and in one’s actions. With her guidance, the temple engages in Room in the Inn for the homeless during the winter months. We have a program for recovering addicts, the women have their own Torah study and a program called W.E.L.L., Women Engaged in Living and Learning, a program she began that keeps us involved long after our children have grown. Rabbi Mackler keeps the congregants engaged in the life of the temple and in the life of our community, and for those reasons I believe that she is one of the most inspiring rabbis in America.
— Pamela Harrison
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