"But she persisted...." These exact words were among those I spoke 20 years ago at this time—to honor the first woman ever ordained as rabbi, at my own rabbinical ordination. You can read my full speech here, and an excerpt appears further below.
I reached my 60th birthday last month, and I am observing both of these milestones as a celebration of all the choices that my life, freedom, health, and abundance have made possible. I hope you'll join me! LEARN MORE
Today WAYS OF PEACE honors the legacy of Rabbi Regina Jonas z"l (of blessed memory) in all of our services and programs. We foster the dialogue between generations that is essential for learning the lessons of history.
There's still time to support our DOUBLE-ANNIVERSARY FUNDRAISER. At this time of celebration, help us take our work to the next level!
Excerpt of Ordination Address
(May 27, 1999 / 12 Sivan 5759)
Esther Broner said in the name of Virginia Woolf: "A woman writing thinks back through her mothers." And a woman being ordained, I believe, can do no less...
So today it is fitting that I "think back" through two particular mothers...both of whose names I consider myself to bear, and by whose merit I stand here....
And as I stand here today, by the merit of all of my fathers and mothers...and in the name and special merit of Regina Sandler and Regina Jonas, I pray that we not...use our celebrations as blinders, to avoid facing the pain and suffering of our broken world. May we rather be strengthened by our seasons of joy to open our own hearts wider and to take up the work of tikkun, of repair—to seek justice, to pursue peace, to turn toward each other every day with greater lovingkindness—now, while we're alive; now, while we're free; now, while we remember. READ MORE
