Think about a younger lady with a present for the performing arts, raised in a standard 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 be an achieved creator, together 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 changing into a rabbi, notably your private path by way of each Mesifta Adas Wolkowisk rabbinical seminary and NYU’s Tisch Faculty of the Arts?
Rabbi Rebecca Keren Jablonski: It’s laborious to sum up how an observant Jewish woman who used to dream of changing into a performer grew to become a rabbi in only a few 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 schooling and prayer instruction. I taught and ready kids for his or her bar and bat mitzvahs (instructing Hebrew and the advanced cantillation system for Jewish scripture), however by no means thought that I would develop into a rabbi. I had no ladies Rabbis to look as much as, and I assumed that position may solely be held by males. As a younger grownup, I used to be extra all for changing 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 solid me because the lead of a musical and we started an extended relationship engaged on performs and literary works, usually 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 ultimately 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 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 in the present day’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 instructing 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 principle 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 almost a 12 months, locations of worship closed their bodily doorways to members.
To dwell in New York Metropolis you must be extraordinary, but temples usually cater to a typical 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 traditional mould? Possibly a toddler had a studying problem or incapacity that made synagogue Hebrew college 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 grew to become more and more conscious of the statistic that Jewish American enrollment in Hebrew college was down by almost 50% from the years 2006-2020. So, I used to be all for those that determined that whereas Hebrew college didn’t work for them, they nonetheless wished to be Jewish and mark their lifecycle moments in a Jewish method. I by no means inform any household to go away their home-base establishment. However for many 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 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 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 support and care. Steve struggled with fundamental motor abilities and didn’t communicate clearly. His maturity stage at occasions was that of just a little boy and different occasions well past 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. After I taught for the household and led the bat mitzvah for his older sister, Steve’s dad and mom observed how their son loved the service. Steve expressed to his dad and mom he wished 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 sophisticated phrases in Hebrew. However he longed to rejoice this milestone and longed to study extra prayers. I started instructing him aurally, so he may study prayers and songs for a modified bar mitzvah service. Every week we went by way of the prayers he already knew and tried so as to add yet 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 laborious to carry; typically he simply rolled round on the ground; typically he insisted on singing a single prayer 5 occasions as a substitute 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 embellished bima (a non secular stage). There was not a dry eye in his congregation of household and associates. Individuals had been amazed to see this youngster so glad and capable of specific himself and his love of his faith by way of music– keep in mind he may barely specific his fundamental 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 capable of present him and his dad and mom pleasure and satisfaction in his accomplishments. He had a beautiful time at his celebration as effectively. For the subsequent 12 months, we had periods each Saturday afternoon. Each week, we’d re-do his whole bar mitzvah ceremony, and study a brand new bible story or rejoice holidays collectively. I continued my relationship with this household and I educated 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 glad and tragic events. Working one-on-one, within the boutique method that I do, was the explanation I may present this household with such unbelievable 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 totally different communities?
Rabbi Rebecca Keren Jablonski: Jews aren’t a monolith: we come from many areas of the world and maintain totally different practices if we’re European, Spanish or from Japanese locations of origin. Generally, 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 apply. Typically, nonetheless, I’ll meet a household with just one mum or dad, grandparent or member that has a novel background. I inform individuals 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 Japanese Europe. My dad and mom additionally got here from totally different backgrounds (my father was from an observant background and my mom was secular and had Israeli citizenship). Many households have an fascinating 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 aren’t Jewish. Being a clergy member within the fashionable world calls for that I’m welcoming and versatile for all the 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 extra readings to make non-Jewish friends snug. For a lot of with relations who aren’t Jewish, the household needs all the 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 method fostering dialogue and understanding in such a posh and infrequently polarized house?
Rabbi Rebecca Keren Jablonski: With any problem, I flip to scripture and commandments to work my method by way of. The Outdated Testomony instructs us to “love thy neighbor” (Leviticus 19:18). By the way in which, 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. After 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 equivalent services 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, principally at religion establishments and universities. The income are cut up between the 2 communities and enhance high quality of life on either side. As increasingly more communities will see the upside of working collectively, this course of will develop 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 making an attempt to essentially have an effect on change within the Center East. Really the vast majority of Palestinians and Israelis are reasonable and wish one of the 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’re not a political group however see we each acknowledge our fortune and chance 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. Generally we conform to pause after we understand we’re happening a path with no decision. Extra usually, we now have a lot in widespread with our humanity. As leaders, we proceed to return again to that.
Meghan Forte: With so many modifications in how individuals connect 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 fashionable 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, apply is private and I’ve to get to know the individual(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 apply by way of that curiosity or thought. The remaining takes care of itself. Judaism is fascinating, enjoyable, musical and sophisticated. There’s all the time a method in. Speaking with the usage of expertise and staying updated on traits and popular culture the way in which this technology communicates is so vital. I textual content. I dm. I’ve just a little canine who goes in all places 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 method to instructing, officiating, and neighborhood 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 modern 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 aren’t scripted, they observe an order that enables for improvisation and feeding off of an viewers. As a rabbi, I modify my phrases primarily based on every neighborhood 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 might have for ladies aspiring to management roles inside spiritual communities, notably in areas historically dominated by males?
Rabbi Rebecca Keren Jablonski: Girls can do all the pieces males can do, however not everybody needs that. Take dangers, break by way of, encourage as you need to, and know there are going to be many parishioners all for your providing. Nonetheless, some won’t approve, and they’re as free to decide on as you’re. Be robust and courageous. Pay attention fastidiously to clues from guides above that can aid you craft your apply.
Meghan Forte: Are you able to discuss how your work in charity and advocacy intersects along with your position as a rabbi?
Rabbi Rebecca Keren Jablonski: It’s a Jewish command to interact 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 by way of farming. My husband and I are members of varied arts organizations and museums and donate to most fundraisers which can be vital to our community of family and friends. Donating or doing acts of charity throughout vital milestones is a method that my husband and I rejoice as effectively. We had a charity venture 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 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 offer and there are various worthy organizations to affix. Generally 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 along 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 instructing, assembly, learning or making an look for one among 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 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’ll do the identical with me. Conventional clergy often 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 method creates a hotter and extra non secular surroundings for all.
My husband is an entrepreneur and leads a really busy life, as effectively. Continuously, evenings out with my husband are charitable occasions or one among my shoppers’ lifecycle occasions. We each take pleasure in an opportunity to decorate up for a celebration, although are equally glad watching the information or a tv-series on the sofa late at night time. 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 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 apply, 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, creator, 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 creator of a kids’s guide titled Dinotsaurus.
Thanks, Rabbi Rebecca Keren Jablonski, for shaping the lives of the subsequent technology along with your non secular teachings and serving others with kindness. We respect your willingness to share an intimate glimpse into your journey.
Providers obtainable by way of Rabbi Rebecca Keren Jablonski’s web site embody 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 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 missed.
Skilled Web site
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 youngsters’s guide Dinotsaurus
Hearken to the podcast, Shalom in Your Telephone , obtainable on Spotify
Rabbi Rebecca Keren Jablonski’s Instagram Profile Tik TokProfile
