Work in the Community

As a communal leader, it is my job to use my voice for good. I spoke at an interfaith rally to support an immigrant who was living in sanctuary at a local church. This article sums it up well: How A Seattle Rabbi Campaigned to protect Undocumented Immigrants in his Community

The walls of a synagogue can be a barrier for some folks engaging with Judaism. By reinvisioning a High Holiday experience and meeting people where they are we created a space for over 100 young people to connect with our tradition. 

Jewish summer camp provides an amazing place for nurturing relationships and Jewish identity. Standing in the middle of a climbing tower at Camp Kalsman created a new space for leading prayer and pushing campers out of the usual modes of thinking and acting.

Wander on Wonder is the organization I created through my capstone process in the Zelikow School of Jewish NonProfit Managment.  After identifying the need in the Jewish community for more adult Jewish retreats, I conducted scholarly research as well as business-oriented research.  Ushered through a business accelerator, I interviewed over 50 people who gave their input on my business model.  I continually adjusted my business model, incorporating the feedback given to me.  What started as a retreat center morphed into a traveling outdoor Jewish education hub. Take a look at my presentation. 

The power and privilege of being a rabbi is that my voice maters and is needed. One of the most effective ways of building a better world is through policy change. Speaking at a gathering to commemorate a deadly shooting in the Seattle Jewish community, I shared the Jewish imperative to pursue justice. 

Getting out of our normal routines and immersing in nature are amazing ways to recharge and experience the Divine. Snowshoeing with young Jewish adults provided the perfect recipe for building relationships and having fun. 

One of the joys of my work as a rabbi is spending time with people of all ages. While the pandemic made parts of that more difficult, leading tot Shabbat for the youngest children brightened my day,