My Nonprofit Reviews

When I was 22 years old, my brother was killed in a car-train crash. Already doubting the existence of a conscious intervening supernatural deity, I turned away from prayer. I was so lucky that Rabbi Sherwin Wine, founder of Humanistic Judaism, was in my town and my family joined The Birmingham Temple, Congregation for Humanistic Judaism in metro Detroit. I found a Jewish home where my beliefs had philosophical consistency. I have always said that I don't have to leave any part of myself at my congregational door.

Then Rabbi Wine recruited me for the SHJ. I became its first Executive Director. When the movement developed Leadership and Rabbinic programs, I began to find my niche and realize my dreams. From the time of my Bat Mitzvah, I had been interested in being a rabbi. I was ordained in 2001. My passion for leadership was always with the movement, introducing people to the concept and supporting individuals and communities to find powerful and meaningful ways to express their Jewish identity, non-theistically. It was the best fit for me to become the rabbi for the Society for Humanistic Judaism to continue realizing my passion.

SHJ just celebrated its 50th anniversary during a fabulous weekend. I've included a pic of our dedicated staff and a short highlight video of the SHJ@50 event.