Post-Denominational Judaism
Conversion requirements
Brit Milah/Hatafat Dam Brit: Hatafat Dam Brit is required; Brit Milah is not required (Approved certification of the procedure is also acceptable.)
Mikveh: Required (The Mediterranean Sea at Lamezia Terme in Calabria, Italy or the Gulf of Mexico in Sarasota, Fla.)
Bet Din: Required (Rabbis and/or lay Jews)
Conversion Location: Serrastretta, Italy or Sarasota, Fla.
Additional Languages: Italian, American Sign Language
Students Accepted: Mitzvah, Chai, Scholarship
Conversion requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic
Brit Milah/Hatafat Dam Brit: Required (No changes)
Mikveh: Required (No changes)
Bet Din: Required (Socially distanced but completed in person)
I am happy to work with
Families with children: I require a meeting — either in person or via video conference — with you and your partner or spouse to discuss how your conversion to Judaism will affect family harmony. It is important the conversion candidate is able to create a Jewish home and the family is supportive of this initiative. In addition, I require younger children to participate in Jewish family rituals and observance; however, a formal conversion of your child or children is not required.
LGBTQ+ candidates: I work with and welcome members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Interfaith or dual-faith relationships: I do not require other-than-Jewish spouses or partners to convert, but I do require that they speak with me prior to the candidate’s conversion, so I may emphasize the importance of shalom bayit (peace in the home). In addition, I speak with the candidate about being respectful toward their partner who may be supportive but not wish to participate in Jewish rituals.
Personal statement
I am a pulpit rabbi with 23 years of congregational experience, currently serving as rabbi of Sinagoga Ner Tamid del Sud, a Reconstructionist congregation. I came to the rabbinate later in life, after a career as a special education teacher, counselor, and a professional puppeteer and creator of The Kids on the Block international, educational program. When I made the decision to study for the rabbinate, I found I was the oldest in my class, and my fellow students called me, “Rabbi Mama.”
As a result of my personal journey, I am open and sensitive to those students who slowly yet steadily have been drawn to Jewish life. As the first and only female rabbi in Italy and the first and only other-than-Orthodox rabbi in Italy, I’ve had the pleasure of working with many b’nei anusim (children [of the] forced ones) individuals – those who have discovered and now desire to embrace their Jewish roots formally. I have learned the importance of extending the hand of Jewish welcome to all those who are drawn to Jewish studies and conversion, and I am honored to assist you on your personal, Jewish journey.
Mazel tov on your desire to immerse yourself in Jewish studies! As a conversion mentor and sponsoring rabbi, I applaud your motivation and initiative, and I welcome you.
Education
The Rabbinical Academy / Mesifta Adas Wolkowisk
Advanced Smicha (Rabbinical ordination)
Rabbinical Seminary International
Smicha (Rabbinical ordination)
Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion
Para-rabbinic Certificate
George Washington University
Master of Science, Education/Psychology
