I grew up in the Chicago area, graduated from Oberlin College in Ohio, and completed my rabbinical studies at the Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion in New York City. As a student I served as a tour guide for teens in Europe and Israel; as a critical care hospital chaplain; and as a congregational intern in Boston, Brooklyn, Wyoming, and beyond. Before rabbinical school I worked as an educator for teens and families at Temple Micah in Washington, DC. Micah is where a love of Judaism became a calling.

 

I believe in Jewish camp! I  spent fifteen of my most treasured summers at the URJ's first camp, Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute (OSRUI) in Oconomowoc, WI. At OSRUI, I learned that Judaism can be joyful, empowering, substantial and cool.

 

In my present role I spearhead Temple Israel's  Adult Jewish Learning, Caring Community, and CONECT initiatives. Strolling through our doors (or our Zoom waiting room), you’re likely to find me singing silly songs with our ECC Students, teaching Talmud, dreaming up an experiential family learning activity, or re-enacting epic lightsaber duels with B’nei Mitzvah students who share my love of Star Wars.

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I owe unending gratitude to my teachers. My closest mentors are Dr. Larry Hoffman and Rabbi Danny Zemel. My HUC thesis advisor is Dr. Alyssa Gray.I am glad to share a full list of references, my personal statement, and my résumé upon request.