Next Year in Jerusalem

This summer, actually...

Many of you know that, in 2004, I celebrated my conversion to Judaism after two years of study and preparation. Since then, I have continued to study and worship at our Reform synagogue, Beth Elohim, where I became a bat mitzvah last summer.

Reform, a liberal movement of Judaism, has greatly enriched my life, and I decided last year to give back to my community and to my religion. For the past year, I studied Hebrew and then applied to Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. After a lengthy written application, two interviews, and a Hebrew proficiency examination, I was accepted into their Rabbinical Studies program. This means that, if all goes as planned, in five years, I will be ordained as a Reform Rabbi.

My life has not led me on anything like a direct path from Catholic girl to future rabbi, but one constant has been my desire to teach. When I began to learn about Judaism, I was drawn immediately to the study of Torah (Bible and commentary on the Bible), which asks the student to engage with tradition, to respect the ancient and rich Jewish past, but also to remain open to novel connections. Those of you who have already heard about my applying to HUC have asked about the politics of Judaism in general and Reform in particular; in broad strokes, this community is one that will welcome me as a Jew-by-choice, as a lesbian, and as a feminist. It has a long tradition of liberal interpretation of Jewish tradition, social justice work, and a welcoming policy to converts, interfaith families, and gay and lesbian Jews. More importantly, as a rabbi, I will be able to use my teaching skills and academic background, but I will also have opportunities to interact with people at the most challenging and rewarding moments in their lives.

Living in Jerusalem without my wife will be a major challenge, but this is a unique opportunity to learn about Israeli culture, to study Hebrew intensively, and of course ultimately to gain a career that will allow me to serve the Jewish people and enrich lives through our beautiful traditions.

I plan to use this blog to post thoughts and, most importantly, photos documenting my experience during the year in Israel.