Think about a younger lady with a present for the performing arts, raised in a conventional Jewish residence in Maryland and feeling a profound calling to pursue rabbinical research. Social The Life-style Journal is honored to interview Rabbi Rebecca Keren Jablonski, recognized on Instagram as @myhotrabbi. On this interview, she shares her journey of embracing her spiritual calling, discusses her work with Constructing Collectively: Constructing Relationships between Palestinians and Israelis, and displays on her household life and what it means to be a rabbi on this period. Moreover, Rabbi Jablonski explores how her coaching as an actor and performer at NYU’s Tisch Faculty of the Arts has performed a pivotal position in her journey. She can also be an completed writer, along with her memoir, Confessions of a Feminine Rabbi: Related Faith in an On-Demand World. Do you know Rabbi Rebecca Keren Jablonski has even hosted a podcast, Shalom In Your Cellphone (how cool is that)?
Meghan Forte: Are you able to share a bit about your journey to changing into a rabbi, notably your private path via each Mesifta Adas Wolkowisk rabbinical seminary and NYU’s Tisch Faculty of the Arts?
Rabbi Rebecca Keren Jablonski: It’s onerous to sum up how an observant Jewish lady who used to dream of changing into a performer turned a rabbi in just some sentences. In confession III of my memoir, Confessions of a Feminine Rabbi: Related Faith in an On-Demand World,I inform the complete story – however listed below are the cliff notes.
I grew up within the Maryland suburbs of Washington, DC. Proper after my very own bat mitzvah, I began working in Jewish training and prayer instruction. I taught and ready kids for his or her bar and bat mitzvahs (educating Hebrew and the advanced cantillation system for Jewish scripture), however by no means thought that I would turn into a rabbi. I had no ladies Rabbis to look as much as, and I believed that position may solely be held by males. As a younger grownup, I used to be extra inquisitive about changing into a performer than a member of clergy. Whereas finding out drama at NYU’s Tisch Faculty of the Arts I met the award-winning, groundbreaking, and prolific Broadway composer and director, Elizabeth Swados. Swados solid me because the lead of a musical and we started a protracted relationship engaged on performs and literary works, typically with Jewish content material. In my early twenties I nonetheless labored for a number of synagogues and households as a Hebrew trainer, b’nai mitzvah tutor, or lay chief of providers. With Swados’s steering, I finally started to grasp I may let go of a few of my extra conventional beliefs. I stepped into my calling. I started researching rabbinical seminaries throughout the previous few weeks of Swados’ life, which was reduce brief by most cancers. I requested the recommendation of many rabbis I had beforehand labored with and understood that Mesifta Adas Wolkowisk’s program, primarily based in New York, labored finest for me.
Meghan Forte: What impressed you to create an “on-demand one-woman synagogue,” and the way do you see this mannequin reshaping the position of clergy in right this moment’s world?
Rabbi Rebecca Keren Jablonski: The necessity for on-demand facilitators of faith is what helped me form my rabbinate as a non-institutional rabbi. Whereas I’m the product of Jewish education and synagogue membership, in my early years of educating in New York, I met many households who have been what I name “de-shuling,” leaving their synagogues due to a handful of causes. I discovered that the primary causes for leaving a shul (that’s Yiddish for synagogue and college) have been time, cash, irrelevance, or one thing traumatic that occurred to repel them from holding membership. The COVID-19 Pandemic exacerbated all of this, as for almost a 12 months, locations of worship closed their bodily doorways to members.
To dwell in New York Metropolis you need to be extraordinary, but temples typically cater to a standard denominator. Some synagogues don’t have a ton of flexibility as a result of they function with boards, insurance policies, and particular spiritual second necessities. What if your loved ones didn’t match the basic mildew? Possibly a baby had a studying problem or incapacity that made synagogue Hebrew faculty not an choice. Possibly a household spent weekends in one other metropolis or state. Possibly a household was present process a divorce or one mum or dad wasn’t of the Jewish religion and subsequently felt unwelcome in a synagogue. I turned more and more conscious of the statistic that Jewish American enrollment in Hebrew faculty was down by almost 50% from the years 2006-2020. So, I used to be inquisitive about those that determined that whereas Hebrew faculty didn’t work for them, they nonetheless needed to be Jewish and mark their lifecycle moments in a Jewish approach. I by no means inform any household to depart their home-base establishment. However for individuals who have left or are leaving and nonetheless need to have Jewish experiences, I can maintain them concerned.
Meghan Forte: You’ve officiated many life cycle occasions, from weddings to child namings. Is there a selected second or ceremony that has profoundly impacted you?
Rabbi Rebecca Keren Jablonski: One ceremony that I solely briefly point out in my memoir, Confessions of a Feminine Rabbi, was with a younger man who had profound bodily and developmental disabilities. For the sake of this story, let’s name him Steve. I used to be by no means given a precise analysis by Steve’s mother and father and I by no means heard from any of his nurses as to why this boy wanted 24/7 support and care. Steve struggled with fundamental motor abilities and didn’t converse clearly. His maturity degree at instances was that of slightly boy and different instances well beyond his years. He went to a college for disabled kids. Steve couldn’t absolutely specific himself with phrases however may sing alongside to any music on his iPad. Once I taught for the household and led the bat mitzvah for his older sister, Steve’s mother and father observed how their son loved the service. Steve expressed to his mother and father he needed to have a prayer service when he turned 13. I used to be not sure that Steve would have the ability to take part on this custom, as he must sound out sophisticated phrases in Hebrew. However he longed to have a good time this milestone and longed to be taught extra prayers. I started educating him aurally, so he may be taught prayers and songs for a modified bar mitzvah service. Every week we went via the prayers he already knew and tried so as to add yet another. We at all times checked in on what Jewish vacation was approaching or learn a narrative from the Jewish bible. Classes have been difficult for varied causes – we sat on the ground and the boy was surrounded by distracting toys and dolls that he would take breaks to point out me. His consideration was onerous to carry; typically he simply rolled round on the ground; typically he insisted on singing a single prayer 5 instances as an alternative of transferring on to a brand new one. After solely 6 months of coaching, from his wheelchair, Steve and I led his bar mitzvah service collectively on a superbly adorned bima (a non secular stage). There was not a dry eye in his congregation of household and buddies. Folks have been amazed to see this little one so completely satisfied and capable of specific himself and his love of his faith via music– bear in mind he may barely specific his fundamental wants. It was all so transferring. Within the Jewish group, mother and father beam with delight after their little one has a coming-of-age ceremony, like a bar mitzvah. Whereas most thought Steve would by no means have the ability to take part on this custom, I used to be capable of present him and his mother and father pleasure and delight in his accomplishments. He had a beautiful time at his celebration as nicely. For the following 12 months, we had periods each Saturday afternoon. Each week, we’d re-do his whole bar mitzvah ceremony, and be taught a brand new bible story or have a good time holidays collectively. I continued my relationship with this household and I skilled the youngest brother, who turned a Bar Mitzvah in 2023. My work with this household spanned 7 years, and I served the household on completely satisfied and tragic events. Working one-on-one, within the boutique approach that I do, was the rationale I may present this household with such unimaginable spiritual experiences.
Meghan Forte: As somebody who works with synagogues and households globally, how do you navigate and mix numerous Jewish traditions and customs from completely different communities?
Rabbi Rebecca Keren Jablonski: Jews will not be a monolith: we come from many areas of the world and maintain completely different practices if we’re European, Spanish or from Jap locations of origin. Typically, when working with a household that has a special spiritual or ethnic background from me (conventional Ashkenazi), I’ve to analysis melodies and rituals inside their group’s follow. Usually, nonetheless, I’ll meet a household with just one mum or dad, grandparent or member that has a singular background. I inform individuals on a regular basis that each household is an intermarriage of some type. For instance, I’m married to a Jewish man who’s from Australia however his mother and father have been raised in Jap Europe. My mother and father additionally got here from completely different backgrounds (my father was from an observant background and my mom was secular and had Israeli citizenship). Many households have an attention-grabbing make-up: I’ve one scholar with a Pakistani/non-Jewish mum or dad. I’ve one other scholar whose mom was Mexican and Catholic. I serve individuals who have a mum or dad who has transformed however their grandparents will not be Jewish. Being a clergy member within the trendy world calls for that I’m welcoming and versatile for the entire members of our broader communities. As a result of I craft particular person providers for every household, every service can have components that replicate their household’s distinctive make-up. For some, it might be prayers in one other language apart from English or Hebrew. For some, it means extra readings to make non-Jewish company snug. For a lot of with relations who will not be Jewish, the household needs the entire Jewish conventional customs with adjusted explanations earlier than every prayer.
Meghan Forte: Your involvement in Constructing Collectively: Constructing Relationships between Palestinians and Israelis is notable. How do you strategy fostering dialogue and understanding in such a fancy and infrequently polarized house?
Rabbi Rebecca Keren Jablonski: With any problem, I flip to scripture and commandments to work my approach via. The Previous Testomony instructs us to “love thy neighbor” (Leviticus 19:18). By the best way, the world’s most well-known former Rabbi, Jesus, preached and taught the identical to his followers. On the whole, Judaism’s texts promote a loving relationship with G-d, his individuals, and all peoples. Israelis and Palestinians are neighbors and human beings, every deserving of dignity and love. Once I come again to this fundamental precept, I see the necessity for constructive interactions that may result in constructive relationships and enterprise partnerships between Palestinians and Israelis.
Each peoples rely on agriculture, dwell in the identical area, and maintain related considerations. Each peoples harvest produce and promote to their markets. Constructing Collectively launched the 2 communities to allow them to share finest practices and co-design an identical amenities to streamline their income. Constructing Collectively raises cash to reward keen Israeli and Palestinian communities with all-expenses-paid factories to create a co-owned and co-branded product: date honey. This honey is bought within the USA, largely at religion establishments and universities. The income are break up between the 2 communities and enhance high quality of life on each side. As increasingly more communities will see the upside of working collectively, this course of will increase to increasingly more communities. By being an middleman and doing the work to search out peaceable and keen events from Palestinian and Israeli populations, Constructing Collectively is attempting to essentially have an effect on change within the Center East. Really nearly all of Palestinians and Israelis are average and wish the very best for one another. We assist facilitate a sensible effort.
Constructing Collectively’s board is equal components Christian, Jewish, and Muslim. All members are devoted to creating the lives higher for the inhabitants of Israel and Palestine. Usually even board members don’t interpret present occasions in the identical approach. We aren’t a political group however see we each acknowledge our fortune and risk to assist. It doesn’t matter what, we’re neighbors and behave neighborly. We maintain house for one another’s experiences and attempt to have productive dialogue. Typically we conform to pause after we notice we’re happening a path with no decision. Extra typically, we have now a lot in widespread with our humanity. As leaders, we proceed to come back again to that.
Meghan Forte: With so many modifications in how individuals hook up with religion, particularly amongst youthful generations, how do you retain Judaism related and significant to the group?
Rabbi Rebecca Keren Jablonski: Firstly, I lead by instance, balancing my very own lifestyle as deeply Jewish however engaged in trendy life. Then I acknowledge that every state of affairs, household or particular person in entrance of me is exclusive and has their very own mishigas – idiosyncrasies which have introduced them to me. Religion is private, follow is private and I’ve to get to know the individual(s) I’m working with. I additionally determine what practices or beliefs from the vastness of Judaism can be related to every cohort that I facilitate for. I lean into their pursuits and open the door to non secular thought and follow via that curiosity or concept. The remaining takes care of itself. Judaism is attention-grabbing, enjoyable, musical and complicated. There may be at all times a approach in. Speaking with the usage of expertise and staying updated on traits and popular culture the best way this technology communicates is so vital. I textual content. I dm. I’ve slightly canine who goes all over the place with me. I’m a rabbi for this century, on this century.
Meghan Forte: How does your background within the arts from NYU affect your strategy to educating, officiating, and group constructing?
Rabbi Rebecca Keren Jablonski: Anybody in a public dealing with job has to have public talking abilities. My coaching as an actor has helped me finetune this expertise. I’m additionally a rabbi that sings and reads music. I punctuate spiritual occasions with musical components, drawing from up to date Jewish composers in addition to historical melodies. I’ve working relationships with many musicians so as to add to the ambiance of any ceremony. I’m additionally conscious that whereas spiritual ceremonies typically will not be scripted, they observe an order that permits for improvisation and feeding off of an viewers. As a rabbi, I modify my phrases primarily based on every group I serve and their real-time suggestions. I’ve to be humorous and current – abilities I honed in my craft as a performer.
Meghan Forte: What recommendation do you’ve got for ladies aspiring to management roles inside spiritual communities, notably in areas historically dominated by males?
Rabbi Rebecca Keren Jablonski: Ladies can do all the pieces males can do, however not everybody desires that. Take dangers, break via, encourage as you need to, and know there are going to be many parishioners inquisitive about your providing. Nonetheless, some is not going to approve, and they’re as free to decide on as you might be. Be sturdy and courageous. Pay attention fastidiously to clues from guides above that may allow you to craft your follow.
Meghan Forte: Are you able to speak about how your work in charity and advocacy intersects together with your position as a rabbi?
Rabbi Rebecca Keren Jablonski: It’s a Jewish command to have interaction in acts of justice and charity. Not solely rabbis should fulfill that command. However as a rabbi, I have to lead by instance. I’ve discovered causes that match my values like supporting veterans, cooking for the meals insecure, Israel advocacy, and Constructing relationships between Israelis and Palestinians via farming. My husband and I are members of varied arts organizations and museums and donate to most fundraisers which are vital to our community of family and friends. Donating or doing acts of charity throughout important milestones is a approach that my husband and I have a good time as nicely. We had a charity mission in honor of our marriage ceremony and infrequently combine our birthday celebrations with causes for which we care.
As a rabbi, the individuals I serve come to me for suggestions for charities to contain themselves with. Their distinctive pursuits and causes maintain me studying about extra organizations and methods to assist the higher world. Whether or not it’s with volunteering or fundraising, all of us have one thing to provide and there are numerous worthy organizations to hitch. Typically individuals want inventive concepts to get began and I assist individuals determine it out.
Meghan Forte: How has your private life, together with your relationship together with your husband, Ben, and your canine, Scout, formed your perspective as a rabbi and educator?
Rabbi Rebecca Keren Jablonski: Each rabbi I do know has an all-encompassing job with little or no time for private socializing. My canine, Scout, comes with me to just about all my appointments in every week, whether or not I’m educating, assembly, finding out or making an look for one in all my literary initiatives. I’ve such lengthy days, I deliver frozen pet food with me that thaws over the course of my day and he eats his dinner on the go.
On the whole, as a result of being a rabbi is my life, I share my life and am susceptible with the households I serve. They make me cry and I make them cry. They know my hopes and emotions. As a result of I share my struggles and joys with them, they will do the identical with me. Conventional clergy normally preserve distance to maintain a sense of authority and gravitas of their communities. I lead with openness and informality. It’s my expertise that this strategy creates a hotter and extra non secular atmosphere for all.
My husband is an entrepreneur and leads a really busy life, as nicely. Regularly, evenings out with my husband are charitable occasions or one in all my shoppers’ lifecycle occasions. We each get pleasure from an opportunity to decorate up for a celebration, although are equally completely satisfied watching the information or a tv-series on the sofa late at evening. As a result of Ben believes what I do is vital and I really feel equally about his work, we’re understanding of the calls for on our time. I’m extraordinarily fortunate that Ben loves Scout and can also be amenable to Scout accompanying us on each trip – together with our mini-moon (at Sanctuary at Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale, AZ).
As a younger rabbi who maintains a busy follow, I had little or no time to dedicate to journey and relationships. Now that I’m married, I hope that, with the urging of my husband, I discover house for a extra balanced life.
Amid the realities of our ever-changing world, Rabbi Rebecca Keren Jablonski’s journey epitomizes the significance of following one’s coronary heart and instinct on a deeply private and non secular path. By sharing her story, she emphasizes the importance of religion, grit, and openness to alter.
Along with her position as a rabbi, Rabbi Rebecca Keren Jablonski is a non-public educator, performer, writer, and entrepreneur. She understands the numerous hats a rabbi wears, serving people from varied walks of life each inside her temple and within the broader group. For the youthful readers, Rabbi Jablonski can also be the writer of a kids’s e book titled Dinotsaurus.
Thanks, Rabbi Rebecca Keren Jablonski, for shaping the lives of the following technology together with your non secular teachings and serving others with kindness. We recognize your willingness to share an intimate glimpse into your journey.
Providers obtainable via Rabbi Rebecca Keren Jablonski’s web site embrace Judaic Research and Hebrew Training, ceremony officiation, tutoring within the religion (together with conversion tutoring), and the creation of individualized prayer books for Bar or Bat Mitzvahs, weddings, or household occasions, incorporating private touches.
Jablonski is an alumnus of the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day Faculty, New York College’s Tisch Faculty of the Arts, and acquired semicha (rabbinic ordination) from the yeshiva Mesifta Adath Wolkowisk in New York.
Jablonski’s most up-to-date e book, the memoir, Confessions of a Feminine Rabbi: Related Faith in an On-Demand World, is a compelling learn that shouldn’t be ignored.
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Contact Type to Rabbi Rebecca Keren Jablonski
Learn: Confessions of a Feminine Rabbi: Related Faith in an On-Demand World, obtainable on Amazon
Barnes and Noble Hyperlink for Confessions of a Feminine Rabbi: Related Faith in an On-Demand World
Web site for the kids’s e book Dinotsaurus
Hearken to the podcast, Shalom in Your Cellphone , obtainable on Spotify
Rabbi Rebecca Keren Jablonski’s Instagram Profile Tik TokProfile
