Elizabeth Bolton
Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
Rabbi Liz Bolton is the most inspirational and beloved rabbi I have ever met. In the three years since she arrived in Ottawa, she has transformed our congregation, grown relationships both to the entire Jewish community and with a broad array of other faiths and sparked a new enthusiasm for both Judaism and social justice in our city. Rabbi Liz shines with creativity, delight and wisdom. She serves joyfully as both our rabbi and cantor (having been a professional opera singer and choir leader in her past life). As Ottawa’s first woman and lesbian rabbi and as a member of T’ruah, she brings a fresh spirit to all our Jewish congregations and to interfaith relations. She has spearheaded a range of social justice initiatives: sponsoring a Syrian refugee, promoting social housing and gently opening discussion about Israel-Palestine. In just her first two years here, she introduced exciting innovations such as a Jewish meditation and yoga group. She turns every moment into a participatory teaching opportunity. Taking her classes has transformed my understanding and appreciation of Judaism. She challenges and inspires us to take on new challenges; in my case, to read Torah, to create a stained glass ner tamid, and to study to create a chevra kadisha.
— Diana Ralph
Why I became the Forward’s Editor-in-Chief
You are surely a friend of the Forward if you’re reading this. And so it’s with excitement and awe — of all that the Forward is, was, and will be — that I introduce myself to you as the Forward’s newest editor-in-chief.
And what a time to step into the leadership of this storied Jewish institution! For 129 years, the Forward has shaped and told the American Jewish story. I’m stepping in at an intense time for Jews the world over. We urgently need the Forward’s courageous, unflinching journalism — not only as a source of reliable information, but to provide inspiration, healing and hope.
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