36 Rabbis Shaping 21st-Century Judaism
“Rabbi Yosef Wolvovsky’s energy and motivation have created a community committed to the beauty of traditional Judaism. Originally numbering hardly a minyan of individuals, today it’s not unusual to find 60 or 70 at a community function. The rabbi’s followers come from a wide range of backgrounds and represent points of view that can be…
“I met Rabbi Cukierkorn this year, 30 years after discovering my Sephardic Jewish roots. I spent 30 years investigating my surname, searching the archives, hearing stories of family and how we come to Costa Rica and why. That was 30 years of receiving “NO” for an answer every time I tried to get close to…
“I am the religious leader of a small Jewish community in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Our group has for many years consisted of American expats. Several years ago, a few Mexican nationals began coming to our Shabbat services, wanting to reclaim what they felt to be a Jewish heritage. These “B’naiAnusim” — many from…
“I became Jewish under the guidance of Rabbi Edwards. She is not just a rabbi of a synagogue; she finds time to be the personal rabbi for each individual. She leads our LGBT community through all our struggles, and she is always on the forefront for equal rights, justice and tzedakah. Rabbi Edwards inspires me…
“When my significant other and I were having relationship trouble, Rabbi Mintz met us almost at midnight at his apartment — in his pajamas! He proceeded to counsel us for months at no charge. I know that he has done similarly for other members of our community. Rabbi Mintz has also been my chief mentor…
“Rabbi Fenton’s unique gift to Judaism is her keen ability to see in each of her students their potential and the spark of Torah that resides in them — and only them. She is the humble teacher, working diligently in the beit midrash and helping fledgling rabbinical students of all ages come to know Torah…
“My wife and I were referred to Rabbi Omer-Man for spiritual guidance after we’d lost our son in a tragic accident. We each had overwhelming personal grief issues, as well as issues as a couple to deal with. We had seen other counselors before Rabbi Omer-Man, but he was the only one who was able…
“I was fortunate to study in Sam Fraint’s adult b’nai mitzvah class: When I told him I wanted to learn to read Torah, he promptly taught me himself. I can’t wait for his thought-provoking and inspiring sermons each week. Sam is also an ardent champion of the Ramah camping and USY movements, encouraging our kids…
“I am a lesbian mom, and finding a place to raise my children that would accept ALL types of families was not easy. After being told by other congregations that yes, we could join, but two moms would not be welcome on the bimah for a bar or bat mitzvah — and hearing other comments…
“In 1979 my husband and I moved from New York City to Mishawaka, Ind., expecting our first child, and coming from non-religious communities with strong Jewish identities. Nothing could have prepared us for the non-Jewish experience we confronted. Then we connected with the rabbi and his wife, made new friends in the community and started…
“During the week, Jonathan Perlman provides spiritual care to patients of all religions at Forbes Hospice, helping them and their families speak about any unfinished business and communicating their needs. He will record oral testimonies, help families have hard conversations, sing and listen to whatever they wish to say. On Shabbat and holidays, he is…
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