Post-Denominational Judaism
Conversion requirements
Brit Milah/Hatafat Dam Brit: Required, with the exception of transgender men (Supervision is not required.)
Mikveh: Required (Beth El Congregation in Baltimore, Md.; Adas Israel Congregation in Washington, D.C.; or natural mikveh – A permissible body of water in Baltimore, Md. and surrounding areas)
Bet Din: Required (Egalitarian bet din comprised of Jewish clergy and/or lay persons)
Conversion Location: Beth El Congregation in Baltimore, Md.
Students Levels: Mitzvah, Chai
Conversion requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic
Brit Milah/Hatafat Dam Brit: Required (No change)
Mikveh: Required (No change)
Bet Din: Required (I am willing to separate out virtual batei din via video conferencing from in-person mikveh, if needed.)
I am happy to work with
Families with children
LGBTQ+ candidates
Interfaith or dual-faith relationships
Personal statement
For over 30 years of a relational rabbinate within and beyond the Conservative congregational world, the invitation into people’s lives for their times of celebration and moments of sorrow has been and remains a deep honor and privilege. This pastoral commitment is mirrored in my role as an educator across the entire learning spectrum. It is a joy to intersect regularly both formally and informally with students of all ages and backgrounds. When mentoring people into their accession of Judaism, my goal and mission is to meet every student where they are at and inspire them to want to learn, experience, and engage more fully. This is accomplished by active listening, a good bit of empathy, and a serious sense of humor. (See what I did there?)
I am privileged to be a founding member of the Loudoun Clergy and Faith Leaders Group, and my professional affiliations include the Washington Board of Rabbis and soon, the National Association of Jewish Chaplains. Beyond my professional interests, I enjoy playing mandolin unplugged or otherwise, hearing live music (especially bluegrass/newgrass/jamgrass and associated music), spending time in natural settings, and drinking specialty coffee. Vacation destinations include any good beach, visiting friends, the indoor and outdoor offerings of the fabulous Berkshires in Western Massachusetts, spending time in Israel, discovering new destinations or wherever the next Jimmy Buffett gig might be. You can learn more about me by visiting my website at jewtique.com.
Education
The Jewish Theological Seminary
Smicha (Rabbinical Ordination), Concentration in Hebrew Bible
Master of Arts, Jewish Studies
Bachelor or Arts, Jewish Studies, Jewish History
