Think about a younger lady with a present for the performing arts, raised in a standard Jewish house in Maryland and feeling a profound calling to pursue rabbinical research. Social The Way of life Journal is honored to interview Rabbi Rebecca Keren Jablonski, identified on Instagram as @myhotrabbi. On this interview, she shares her journey of embracing her non secular 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 be an achieved 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 Telephone (how cool is that)?
Meghan Forte: Are you able to share a bit about your journey to turning 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 exhausting to sum up how an observant Jewish lady who used to dream of turning into a performer grew to become 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 youngsters 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 change 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 keen on turning into a performer than a member of clergy. Whereas learning drama at NYU’s Tisch Faculty of the Arts I met the award-winning, groundbreaking, and prolific Broadway composer and director, Elizabeth Swados. Swados forged 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 instructor, 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 lower 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 greatest 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 at present’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 had 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 faculty) had 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 practically a yr, locations of worship closed their bodily doorways to members.
To reside in New York Metropolis it’s important 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 non secular 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 mother or father wasn’t of the Jewish religion and subsequently felt unwelcome in a synagogue. I grew to become more and more conscious of the statistic that Jewish American enrollment in Hebrew faculty was down by practically 50% from the years 2006-2020. So, I used to be keen on 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 method. 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 hold them concerned.
Meghan Forte: You’ve officiated many life cycle occasions, from weddings to child namings. Is there a specific 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 an actual prognosis by Steve’s dad and mom and I by no means heard from any of his nurses as to why this boy wanted 24/7 assist and care. Steve struggled with primary motor expertise and didn’t communicate clearly. His maturity stage at occasions was that of a bit of boy and different occasions well past his years. He went to a faculty for disabled youngsters. Steve couldn’t absolutely categorical himself with phrases however may sing alongside to any tune on his iPad. After I taught for the household and led the bat mitzvah for his older sister, Steve’s dad and mom seen how their son loved the service. Steve expressed to his dad and mom he needed to have a prayer service when he turned 13. I used to be not sure that Steve would be capable of take part on this custom, as he must sound out difficult phrases in Hebrew. However he longed to have fun 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 another. We all the time checked in on what Jewish vacation was approaching or learn a narrative from the Jewish bible. Classes had been difficult for numerous 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 exhausting to carry; generally he simply rolled round on the ground; generally he insisted on singing a single prayer 5 occasions 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 spiritual stage). There was not a dry eye in his congregation of household and pals. Folks had been amazed to see this youngster so completely satisfied and in a position to categorical himself and his love of his faith via tune– bear in mind he may barely categorical his primary wants. It was all so transferring. Within the Jewish neighborhood, dad and mom beam with satisfaction after their youngster has a coming-of-age ceremony, like a bar mitzvah. Whereas most thought Steve would by no means be capable of take part on this custom, I used to be in a position to present him and his dad and mom pleasure and satisfaction in his accomplishments. He had a beautiful time at his celebration as properly. For the subsequent yr, we had classes each Saturday afternoon. Each week, we might re-do his whole bar mitzvah ceremony, and be taught a brand new bible story or have fun holidays collectively. I continued my relationship with this household and I skilled the youngest brother, who grew to become 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 method that I do, was the rationale I may present this household with such unimaginable non secular 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 are usually not 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 non secular or ethnic background from me (conventional Ashkenazi), I’ve to analysis melodies and rituals inside their group’s follow. Typically, nonetheless, I’ll meet a household with just one mother or father, grandparent or member that has a singular background. I inform folks on a regular basis that each household is an intermarriage of some sort. For instance, I’m married to a Jewish man who’s from Australia however his dad and mom had been raised in Jap Europe. My dad and mom 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 pupil with a Pakistani/non-Jewish mother or father. I’ve one other pupil whose mom was Mexican and Catholic. I serve individuals who have a mother or father who has transformed however their grandparents are usually not 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 mirror their household’s distinctive make-up. For some, it could be prayers in one other language moreover English or Hebrew. For some, it means further readings to make non-Jewish friends snug. For a lot of with relations who are usually not 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 posh and sometimes polarized area?
Rabbi Rebecca Keren Jablonski: With any problem, I flip to scripture and commandments to work my method 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. Basically, Judaism’s texts promote a loving relationship with G-d, his folks, and all peoples. Israelis and Palestinians are neighbors and human beings, every deserving of dignity and love. After I come again to this primary 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, reside in the identical area, and maintain comparable considerations. Each peoples harvest produce and promote to their markets. Constructing Collectively launched the 2 communities to allow them to share greatest practices and co-design an identical services to streamline their earnings. 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 offered within the USA, largely at religion establishments and universities. The earnings are break up between the 2 communities and enhance high quality of life on each side. As an increasing number of communities will see the upside of working collectively, this course of will broaden to an increasing number of communities. By being an middleman and doing the work to seek 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. Actually 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 elements Christian, Jewish, and Muslim. All members are devoted to creating the lives higher for the inhabitants of Israel and Palestine. Typically even board members don’t interpret present occasions in the identical method. 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 area for one another’s experiences and attempt to have productive dialogue. Typically we comply with pause once we notice we’re taking place a path with no decision. Extra typically, we’ve got a lot in frequent with our humanity. As leaders, we proceed to return again to that.
Meghan Forte: With so many adjustments in how folks hook up with religion, particularly amongst youthful generations, how do you retain Judaism related and significant to the neighborhood?
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 particular person(s) I’m working with. I additionally establish 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 spiritual thought and follow via that curiosity or thought. The remaining takes care of itself. Judaism is attention-grabbing, enjoyable, musical and sophisticated. There’s all the time a method in. Speaking with the usage of know-how and staying updated on developments and popular culture the best way this era communicates is so essential. I textual content. I dm. I’ve a bit of canine who goes in every single 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 neighborhood constructing?
Rabbi Rebecca Keren Jablonski: Anybody in a public dealing with job has to have public talking expertise. My coaching as an actor has helped me finetune this expertise. I’m additionally a rabbi that sings and reads music. I punctuate non secular occasions with musical components, drawing from up to date Jewish composers in addition to historic melodies. I’ve working relationships with many musicians so as to add to the ambiance of any ceremony. I’m additionally conscious that whereas non secular ceremonies typically are usually not scripted, they observe an order that permits for improvisation and feeding off of an viewers. As a rabbi, I regulate my phrases primarily based on every neighborhood I serve and their real-time suggestions. I’ve to be humorous and current – expertise I honed in my craft as a performer.
Meghan Forte: What recommendation do you could have for ladies aspiring to management roles inside non secular communities, notably in areas historically dominated by males?
Rabbi Rebecca Keren Jablonski: Ladies can do the whole lot males can do, however not everybody desires that. Take dangers, break via, encourage as you wish to, and know there are going to be many parishioners keen on your providing. Nonetheless, some is not going to approve, and they’re as free to decide on as you’re. Be robust and courageous. Hear fastidiously to clues from guides above that may enable 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 need 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 essential to our community of family and friends. Donating or doing acts of charity throughout important milestones is a method that my husband and I have fun as properly. We had a charity venture in honor of our marriage ceremony and sometimes combine our birthday celebrations with causes for which we care.
As a rabbi, the folks I serve come to me for suggestions for charities to contain themselves with. Their distinctive pursuits and causes hold 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 present and there are numerous worthy organizations to affix. Typically folks want inventive concepts to get began and I assist folks 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 almost all my appointments in every week, whether or not I’m educating, assembly, learning or making an look for one among my literary tasks. I’ve such lengthy days, I carry frozen pet food with me that thaws over the course of my day and he eats his dinner on the go.
Basically, as a result of being a rabbi is my life, I share my life and am weak 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 keep 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 surroundings for all.
My husband is an entrepreneur and leads a really busy life, as properly. Regularly, evenings out with my husband are charitable occasions or one among 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 night time. As a result of Ben believes what I do is essential 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 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 area 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 vary.
Along with her position as a rabbi, Rabbi Rebecca Keren Jablonski is a non-public educator, performer, writer, and entrepreneur. She understands the various hats a rabbi wears, serving people from numerous walks of life each inside her temple and within the broader neighborhood. For the youthful readers, Rabbi Jablonski can be the writer of a youngsters’s guide titled Dinotsaurus.
Thanks, Rabbi Rebecca Keren Jablonski, for shaping the lives of the subsequent era 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 embody Judaic Research and Hebrew Schooling, 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 obtained semicha (rabbinic ordination) from the yeshiva Mesifta Adath Wolkowisk in New York.
Jablonski’s most up-to-date guide, the memoir, Confessions of a Feminine Rabbi: Related Faith in an On-Demand World, is a compelling learn that shouldn’t be neglected.
Skilled Web site
Contact Kind 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 youngsters’s guide Dinotsaurus
Take heed to the podcast, Shalom in Your Telephone , obtainable on Spotify
Rabbi Rebecca Keren Jablonski’s Instagram Profile Tik TokProfile
