Translating Torah Into True & Tangible Tactics

At the beginning of April 2020, Rabbi David Adelson, the Dean of the Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) New York campus, asked me how I was feeling in a one-on-one meeting. We had switched over to Zoom full-time a few weeks earlier, and everyone was checking in to see how we were faring. I thought about it and smiled, “I think I’m okay,” I replied. “I’m living my dream. It isn’t exactly how I envisioned it, but I’m still living my dream, and you can’t quite beat that.”

I have always been a big believer in and encourager of people following their hearts and dreams. For me, the dream of becoming a rabbi came surprisingly early, but its actualization didn’t occur until approximately 20 years later. Over those two decades, I found myself immersed in creating experiential education in synagogues, JCCs, Hillels, and regional events. These programs were the embodiment of my dreams. It also helped me see that Judaism can be made accessible, relevant, and resonant for all. Luckily, these experiences enabled me to find my way as a rabbinical student at HUC-JIR, a role that Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ) made it possible for me and a place that kept my dreams alive.

As a YES Fund grantee, this gift from WRJ allows me to spend more time outside of the classroom practicing a “living Judaism”— grappling with questions and trying to find connections in meaningful ways. I am always looking for creative outlets to ignite a love of learning in those who identify as “not Jewish enough.” After a great deal of strategy, planning, love, and teamwork, and of course, the help of WRJ’s YES Fund, I, along with two friends, created a new way of engaging with Torah: a weekly podcast called Drinking and Drashing: Torah with a Twist. This podcast created the opportunity for a regular ritual of engaging with Torah, allowing people to enjoy an honest exploration of a hard text. Through this podcast, we encourage and empower guests and listeners to connect to Judaism on their terms, in their own time, while expanding their questions and assumptions about what it means to be Jewish today.

It is incredible to realize that within one Torah cycle and under one year, our podcast has released 48 episodes. These episodes have been listened to in 48 states and 30 countries by those who are encouraged to learn diverse takes on the traditional divrei Torah- blending leadership, innovation, social justice, and creativity with a splash of modern midrashic mixology (feel free to make one of our drink options for your Shabbat dinner table!). I have been lucky enough to enjoy all of this because when the question was presented to WRJ if they would support my rabbinic journey, they enthusiastically answered with a YES!

As Martin Buber explains in his incredible work The Way of Man, “Every one of us has been given the task to develop and realize our individual and unique nature: we are not meant to repeat what another, no matter how great, has already accomplished.” I am incredibly honored and grateful to continue studying rabbinic texts in a respected seminary. I’m even more grateful to be supported for what I can add to the Jewish tradition. From training on how to develop my clergy voice; to engaging in meaningful worship and work as the rabbinic intern at Temple Shaaray Tefila in Bedford Corners, NY; to finding ways to search for and lift all voices, I am proud to be living out the values of Judaism in my own significant and genuine way.

I am grateful to the WRJ for allowing me to explore all these avenues and areas thanks to its YES Fund, and I am happy I can continue working with them during my remaining time at HUC-JIR and beyond.

For now, I raise a glass to all of you, invite you to check us out at www.anchor.fm/drinking-drashing or at www.drinkinganddrashing.com, and wish all of you a memorable and meaningful year. L’chayim!