Thank you to Rabba Yaffa Epstein for being the first to show me this path and for the patience to encourage me and remind me that it was here for me when I was ready.

Thank you to my community in Lower Merion, PA at Sha’arei Orah, for giving me the space and encouragement to learn how to be a leader in our shul.  Thank you to my community in Ann Arbor, MI for welcoming me so warmly and for the support and encouragement throughout this year.  Thank you to those in both communities who treated me as a rabbi before I felt sure of it myself.  Each question, life cycle event and pastoral moment strengthened my desire to become a spiritual leader and I couldn’t have done it without you.  Special thanks to the wonderful weekly parsha study group in Lower Merion who not only gave me space to teach but enriched my learning with wonderful questions and conversation. 

Thank you to my teachers who pushed me to be a better learner and thinker, for listening and processing each and every learning experience, and for taking endless hours outside of class to provide coaching, mentorship and guidance.   A special thanks to Reb Jeff - I am grateful for the nuance and thoughtfulness with which you approach teaching.  I value the time we spent in adjoining offices where I could hear your perspective more regularly and immensely grateful I got to be a student in your shiur a few years later. 

Thank you to Rabba Sara. It’s been a long journey and I am so grateful to have had your guidance, friendship and support every step of the way.  From the very first meeting in your office almost a dozen years ago, through the wonderful years working together to the last five years of study your encouragement made the journey feel easier and more manageable.  Without your bravery and leadership none of this would be possible. 

Thank you to my parents, Esther and Larry,  for providing the education and rich Jewish life at home that prepared me to choose this path. To my mother who wears so many hats in my life - role model, cheerleader, editor-in-chief, guidance counselor and constant friend.  Like most things in life, I truly could not have done it without your support.  To my father who is not here to share in this celebration. I know you would be proud that I chose to live a life filled with Torah study because you modeled it so beautifully for me.  I can almost hear your customarily loud cheers of encouragement today as I step under the banner.

Thank you to my sisters who have been my constant friends and companions throughout life’s journeys.   I value the mutual support, acceptance and love as we each find our own paths. Thank you for your love and support. 

Thank you to my in-laws, Barbara and Marty, for supporting Will and me as we embarked on this long journey together.  I have felt your love and encouragement each step of the way.  

Thank you to my Bubbie, aunts, uncles and cousins who encouraged me in so many ways throughout this journey.  I continue to feel the bracha of being in a large, vibrant family and am grateful for each of your support, love and friendship. 

Thank you to my wonderful children. I am grateful for your patience while I have been preoccupied with classes and for all of the hours you have traveled for internships and scholars in residence weekends.  Thank you for not only coming along for the ride, but engaging in it - it is wonderful to discuss Torah with you.  I pray that this experience leaves you with a thirst for Torah and an awareness that your dreams are always within reach. 

Thank you to Will.  There is nothing I can say to adequately express my thanks. From the very beginning you have created space for and respected my own Torah learning.  Your guidance and knowledge, shared so freely, helped me in my learning. Thank you for the countless times you listened to divrei torah and endless hours you took care of the home front so I could be immersed in studying and working as an intern.  My learning is your learning, my success is your success.