Image by Getty Images

Writer-at-Large Jane Eisner March 24, 2016

Nearly every day, I encounter a rabbi who inspires me. The rabbi with whom I am learning Talmud, my first sustained study of the foundational text. The rabbi who guides her synagogue members to confront end-of-life medical and spiritual issues before the end of their lives. The rabbi who serves Jews and non-Jews alike in an anti-poverty center steps away from the old Forward building on the Lower East Side.

I know that in this regard, I am fortunate to live in New York City, epicenter of the Diaspora, where Jewish expression and experimentation are ubiquitous. But I also know that rabbis play transformative roles in all corners of our country, in and outside traditional venues, within every stream of Judaism and then some.

I know this because each year, the Forward seeks out stories about those rabbis, who inspire in synagogues and schools, Hillels and hospices, on a mountaintop and in the military. We find these stories through you, our readers, who share these examples of profound spiritual leadership in your everyday lives.

Forwarding the News

Thoughtful, balanced reporting from the Forward and around the web, bringing you updated news and analysis each day.

Terms(Required)

I agree to the Forward's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Email(Required)

So once again, we call for your nominations to our list of America’s Most Inspiring Rabbis. Fill our the survey below and, in 200 words or less, tell us why a particular rabbi changed your life. The deadline is April 15. Rather than repeating past years’ winners, we are looking for new names, because we know that there is more than enough inspiration to sustain us all.

A message from our CEO & publisher Rachel Fishman Feddersen

I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning, nonprofit journalism during this critical time.

The coming year promises to be filled with more complex and historic developments. We are entering an era where independent, fact-based Jewish journalism will be more important than ever. We need to be ready for whatever 2025 will bring, and with your help, we can be.

We’ve set a goal to raise $260,000 by December 31. That’s an ambitious goal, but one that will give us the resources we need to invest in the high quality news, opinion, analysis and cultural coverage that isn’t available anywhere else.

If you feel inspired to make an impact, now is the time to give something back. Join us as a member at your most generous level.

—  Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO

With your support, we’ll be ready for whatever 2025 brings.

$36 $500

$120 $180 Other amount