Conversion Requirements
Brit Milah/Hatafat Dam Brit: Recommended but not required (Rabbi’s supervision is not required; rabbi needs to be on the premises)
Mikveh: Required (Libi Eir Mikveh at Beth Meyer Synagogue in Raleigh, N.C.)
Bet Din: Recommended but not required (Rabbis and cantors from local synagogues and universities)
Conversion Location: Raleigh, N.C.
Students Accepted: Mitzvah, Chai
Pandemic-related Requirements
N/A
I am happy to work with:
Families: I’d love to meet you and your family and work with you in a welcoming way — whether that involves conversion or any other means of inclusion in your journey. Together, we can determine the best way to teach your child(ren).
LGBTQ+ candidates: I work with and welcome members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Candidates in interfaith or dual-faith relationships: If you are a part of a family that is interfaith, or that will be interfaith as a result of your conversion, I’d love to hear your your story. Nothing is simple; however, the experience must be positive for all involved.
Personal Statement
There’s always been a strange dance within me: Judaism and music. I resonate with their respective and braided rhythms. You could probably say I’m “Jewsical,” and I see the world through Jewish eyes. How do I know this if I’ve never had any other kind of life-lens? Well, I consistently search for goodness in people and in situations. As I go along, I’m reminded that life is difficult and life is sweet; people are both sick and well, angry and gentle; and we consistently strive for balance. In this way, Judaism has the nice, round shape of life itself, and the pull of dichotomy that gives us wheels and energy.
I also believe that shalom (peace) is much more than the absence of war or strife — shalom represents wholeness. Both music and food can bring people together even through our differences. Once we start to dialogue, we can maintain the beauty within disagreement. You can also reach wholeness by giving yourself a break. So much seems to be expected of us in this crazed 21st century that we often feel we’re unable to keep up. It’s okay — you are enough.
In my spare time (hah!), I enjoy spending time with my two teenagers, three cats, and my treasured friends as well as reading non-fiction or historical fiction books, watching movies, and cooking and eating mostly Pescatarian dishes. I also love to laugh. Every relationship must include laughter, no matter who you are.
Education:
Pluralistic Rabbinical Seminary
Rabbinical Student, Expected Smicha (Rabbinical Ordination) in December 2022
Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion, Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music
Smicha (Cantorial Ordination)
Master of Sacred Music
Boston Conservatory at Berklee
Master of Music, Opera Performance
