Rabbi Rachel is the Director of Jewish Programs at the One America Movement. Since the lead-up to and aftermath of the “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, VA, Rachel has been dedicated to forming relationships across divides. Being able to collaborate with people across lines of difference was a critical part of the effort to resist and stand up against white supremacy.
Prior to joining the One America Movement team, Rachel served as associate rabbi at Congregation Beth, Israel in Charlottesville, VA. During that time Rachel was a One America chapter leader and an active member of the Charlottesville Clergy Collective, The Women’s Clergy Circle, and Congregate Charlottesville. Rachel was ordained from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in 2016.
Rabbi Rachel holds fast to a teaching from Pirkei Avot (The Ethics of the Fathers) that says, “...be of the disciples of Aaron; loving peace and pursuing peace…” She believes that the work of the One America Movement allows her to put this teaching into action.
During this Jewish season of reflection and self-examination, I invite each of us to look inward and dig a little deeper. What areas might I ignore or give little attention to because I think I have already received an A+? Do I genuinely talk the talk and walk the walk?