Rabbi Barbara Aiello

(She/Her/Hers)

Post-Denominational

Barbara Aiello

Conversion requirements

Brit milah/Hatafat dam brit:

Brit milah is not required; hatafat dam brit is required. (Approved certification of the procedure is also acceptable.)

Mikvah:

Required (Natural mikvah - The Mediterranean Sea at Lamezia Terme or the Gulf of Mexico in Sarasota, Fla.)

Beit din:

Required (Rabbis and/or lay leaders)

Conversion location:

Serrastretta, Italy or Sarasota, Fla.

Mentoring sessions available in:

English, Italian, A different language

Conversion requirements during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic

Brit milah/Hatafat dam brit:

Required (No change)

Mikvah:

Required (No change)

Beit din:

Required (No change)

I am happy to work with

Families with children, People who identify as LGBTQ+, People in interfaith or dual-faith relationships

Personal statement

Rabbi Barbara Aiello is a Post-Denominational rabbi serving a Reconstructionist congregation. She is available starting October 1, 2023.

I am a pulpit rabbi with 23 years of congregational experience, currently serving as rabbi of Sinagoga Ner Tamid del Sud in southern Italy. 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 educational program, Kids on the Block. 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 have been drawn to Jewish life slowly yet steadily. 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 (Congratulations) 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

Meet this mentor