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on your journey

My dedication to Torah study and deep emunah, faith,  began at 13 and continued as a passion that has only deepened over the past 11 years. 

 

I started learning Tae Kwon Do when I was 15. By the time I was 17, I was teaching classes to beginning students who were a mix of teenagers and adults. I taught them courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and an indomitable spirit. I also led them in meditation practices. After their bodies were exhausted, their minds were led on an inward journey.

 

My involvement in Eastern Martial Arts led me to learn Reiki, and I  became a Reiki master and practitioner by the time I was 19.  Though Reiki was rewarding, I felt like I was meant for more.  I went to university to study psychology and philosophy but left when I couldn’t get any more scholarships.   With my background in martial arts, I became a detention officer at the county jail and excelled in leadership.  I witnessed much pain in humanity during this time and decided I needed to return to helping people.

 

I became a Physical Therapy technician.  I fell in love with listening to the life stories and life experiences I heard from the patients.  I decided to continue my education and get a psychology degree with a philosophy minor.  With that, I entered into community mental health.  I worked with children and families where communication had broken down.  I worked to help each member hear the other, learn to respect, and thrive as a family unit.  I received specialty training and certification to work with children with drug addictions.  Believing in the good within everyone and the potential to overcome the worst obstacles and become successful, productive people.

 

This led me to work with youth in the juvenile detention center. Youth in crisis need adults who recognize their humanity and believe in them. Once I became pregnant with my first child, I decided to stay home to cherish the early years with my children.  

 

When my children were toddlers, I returned to the Jewish community where I was raised. I became an active member and volunteer and was hired as the administrator and marketing manager.   After being voted in as the Board of Trustees Secretary, I heard about a congregant with an illness and no congregational rabbi to visit them.  I then embarked on a journey to learn rabbinics to help my community and provide a service that had been unobtainable: a local non-orthodox rabbi to serve as a harmonious balance and alternative in Flagstaff and support the community.  

 

I obtained multiple Jewish lay leadership certifications, including a certification in Comprehensive Jewish History. I served as a spiritual and service leader for a local congregation, taught in their religious school, and became an advisor for the religious school.

 

As an ordained rabbi, I hope to help illuminate the divine within the Jews I serve, provide pastoral care and life cycle events, teach, lead meaningful services and holiday events, and balance Jewish life in my community.  I am currently the founder and rabbi at Ohr Beharim, as well as a rabbi at the world's first online synagogue, Sim Shalom.