I became a Humanist rabbi, because I feel a deep investment in making Jewish texts and traditions meaningful to people through the lens of their own life experiences. Before I was a rabbi, I was a Jewish Studies academic, but I became deeply frustrated at the “ivory tower” approach to knowledge and the time spent writing books and articles that interested only a handful of people. I wanted to connect more meaningfully to people and to the communities to which I belonged.

My favorite activity in the world is to craft personalized ritual. One of the most poignant interactions I’ve had in my life is when a person I did not know contacted me to ask whether a Humanistic Shabbat blessing for children existed. I told him that I did not know, but I would be happy to compose a personalized blessing for his baby girl. Three years later, the same person contacted me again to say my blessing had become a meaningful part of their Shabbat observance and ask me whether I would compose a blessing for their second daughter. I stared at my computer screen overcome with tears of joy — I had just been paid the greatest compliment of my life.

I will perform conversions in almost any circumstance, as long as the desire to connect with Jewish culture is genuine and deep.