My heart overflows with gratitude. Experienced my first ALEPH ordination/Smicha and first OHALAH conference. Mazal Tov again to all our new clergy and thank you to everyone who helped create the sacred space of OHALAH.
I want to share part of my remarks that I made on Tuesday:
About six months ago, I found my soul yearning for something more both professionally and personally. There is more to my story as a Jew by Choice and as a Jewish professional working within the Jewish community. I was asked during the interview process how I would do in a room full of rabbis. And so here I am. I know I can do this. Just as I said standing on the Bima 4 years ago as an adult bat mitzvah, it doesn’t matter that I am a Jew by choice. It doesn’t matter that I didn’t grow up in a Jewish home or go to Jewish camps. God is always here. No middle man. I am not seeking salvation. What I continue to seek is meaning — a life of purpose, a life filled with love and connection. No posturing. No games. There is something to be said about not trying too hard. Fully embracing myself and those around me. Submerge. Surrender. Speak honestly and openly. Turning and re-turning.
