Rabbi, Bolton Street Synagogue, Baltimore, Maryland
Bachelor of Arts in Judaic Studies and History, 2001
Describe your job responsibilities:
I am the rabbi at Bolton Street Synagogue, an intimate Reform Jewish congregation is Baltimore, Maryland. As the sole clergy at a smaller community, I do it all! I’m honored to be teacher, spiritual guide, pastor, and cheerleader of a wonderful community.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
I love being a presence alongside people during their most difficult and meaningful moments. It has been an honor to be welcomed into people’s lives, to get to know them better, to help guide them, and to be reminded each and every day of what matters most in life.
Tell us about studying at the Frankel Center:
I loved the intimacy and inclusiveness of studying Judaic Studies at the University of Michigan. Unlike some of the other classes that I took at U of M, I always felt that I was known at the Frankel Center. It was these relationships, especially with lifelong friends, that continues to impact me today.
How did your education prepare you for your current job?
When I entered rabbinical school, a few years after graduating, I felt that I had an incredible Jewish education that propelled me forward in my studies and in my career. The overview of Hebrew, Jewish history, and biblical studies that I achieved at the Frankel Center provided me with a foundation for lifelong learning.
What advice would you give to students who are considering studying Judaic Studies?
Go for it! There was nothing more rewarding than taking time in my studies at U of M to learn about the Jewish past, reflect upon my own Jewish identity, and to begin to shape the Jewish future.
