Rabbi Dr. Andrea Lobel
(She/Her/Hers)
Renewal

Conversion requirements
Brit milah/Hatafat dam brit:
Required (Approved certification of the procedure is also acceptable.)
Mikvah:
Required (Natural mikvah - A permissible body of water in Ontario or Quebec, Canada)
Beit din:
Required (Rabbis and/or lay leaders)
Conversion location:
Ottawa, Canada
Mentoring sessions available in:
English
Conversion requirements during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
Brit milah/Hatafat dam brit:
Required (Local authorities' supervision is required.)
Mikvah:
Required (No change)
Beit din:
Required (Virtual beit din via video conferencing is also acceptable.)
I am happy to work with
Families with children, People who identify as LGBTQ+, People in interfaith or dual-faith relationships
Personal statement
Congratulations on your decision to learn more about Judaism and work toward conversion! I realize what a momentous step this is for you. Should you choose to work with me, I look forward to hearing all about what led you to walk this sacred path as well as your vision for the future.
I am a teaching rabbi, university lecturer, researcher in religion and the humanities, and a former Scholar-in-Residence at OneShul. I am also a professional writer, editor, and public speaker, and in my free time, I am an amateur astronomer and can often be found stargazing on clear summer nights. My path to the rabbinate (smicha or ordination) was inspired by my ongoing career as a religious studies lecturer and my desire to connect and work with interested students on both the intellectual and emotional levels.
My approach to teaching is best described as eclectic and trans-denominational, or based on ideas located across the spectrum of Jewish denominations. Many of the concepts I focus on are found in the Jewish Renewal movement as well as Earth-based Judaism, which is Jewish practice centered upon the cycles of nature and time. I seek students who are looking for individualized attention as they explore the curriculum and dive deep into the richness of Jewish knowledge.
Education
The Rabbinical Academy / Mesifta Adas Wolkowisk
Smicha (Rabbinical ordination)
Concordia University
Doctor of Philosophy, Religion/Religion and Science
McGill University in Montréal, Quebec, Canada
Master of Arts, Religious Studies