Post-Denominational Judaism
Conversion requirements
Brit Milah/Hatafat: Required (Approved certification of the procedure is also acceptable.)
Mikveh: Required (The Mikvah at Beth Hillel B’Nai Emunah in Wilmette, Ill. or a natural mikveh – Lake Michigan)
Bet Din: Required (Rabbis, lay leaders, and/or scholars)
Conversion Location: Chicago, Ill.
Students Accepted: Mitzvah, Chai, Scholarship
Conversion requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic
Brit Milah/Hatafat Dam Brit: Required (No change)
Mikveh: Required (No change)
Bet Din: Required (No change)
I am happy to work with
Families with children
LGBTQ+ candidates
Interfaith or dual-faith relationships
Personal statement
After working full time for 11 years on the streets of Chicago, Ill. with LGBTQ+ and/or homeless youth, I started a game company and a spiritual direction practice. We mostly make tabletop games with social impact. For example, our first game is about homelessness. In addition, I am a partner at AlleyCat Comics in Chicago. During all this, I served as the founder and rabbi of the Mitziut Jewish Community, an alternative, independent Jewish community that gathers for Shabbat, holidays, learning and schmoozing — all with a spiritual and mystical flavor. I also co-founded the now defunct Black Rock Jewish Community Center (JCC).
My past work includes working with isolated and lonely seniors at Little Brothers/Friends of the Elderly in Minneapolis, Minn. and with deaf children with behavioral and emotional issues at the Center on Deafness in Northbrook, Ill. The strangest job I’ve had was recording the meters on gas pumps at stations after they closed.
Most importantly, I am a dad.
In closing, I don’t have answers for you — I have information and questions. I will accompany you on your spiritual journey, sharing my experience and education, as you seek answers (or at least responses) to your questions.
Education
Hebrew Seminary
Smicha (Rabbinical Ordination)
Graduate Certificate, Spiritual Direction
