B’ruchim ha’baim, welcome.
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My name is Rabbi Michal Loving, and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I want to help you connect to Judaism in a way that brings you meaning.
We all access our spirituality in different ways, and it helps to have someone to walk alongside us on our path. I am here to debate the existence of God with you, to study Torah, and to share in the excitement of your new tallit, ritual shawl. I will kvell with you and burst with pride as you hold your new baby and give them their first Jewish name, and I will tutor your 13 year-old and assist them in becoming B'nai Mitzvah. I will celebrate with you as you break the glass at your wedding, and mourn with you as we bury your loved one. I will gently guide you when you say your first and (and maybe only!) word of Hebrew, and I will accompany you to the mikveh as you officially become a Jew. Our world is amazing, and wonderful, and awe-inspiring. And at the same time, it can be stressful, and nerve-wracking, and uncertain. Living a Jewish life helps us focus on the good, for our tradition teaches us gratitude and mindfulness, and encourages us to improve ourselves and heal the greater world. No matter our background, gender, sexual identity, or family situation, our stories are reflected in the story of the Jewish people. There is a place for each of us. Everyone's Jewish journey is different. It is my honor to accompany you on yours. |
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"[T]he purpose of Judaism – and the purpose of relationships – is to love the other and the Other, the thou and the Thou. When you do, you find meaning – an understanding of the significance of life; you find purpose – an imperative to do what you are put on earth to do during your life; you find belonging – a community of people who will be there for you and with you; and you find blessing – a feeling of deep satisfaction and gratitude, a calendar and life cycle of opportunities to celebrate the gifts of life."
— Dr. Ron Wolfson, Relational Judaism: Using the Power of Relationships to Transform the Jewish Community |
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