It is such a privilege to be part of the Yeshivat Maharat community. Rabba Sara and Rav Avi, you created and sustain this incredible makom Torah that nurtures women to become thoughtful leaders. I feel anchored in your Torah and your ways of being in the world. Over the past four years, I have been nurtured from close and afar by Maharat's incredible staff and faculty: Rabba Wendy, Rav Jeff, Rabbanit Devorah, Rabbi Mintz, Rabbi Erin, Dr. Altmann, Maya Bernstein, Amanda Shechter and Jennifer Feldman. It has been a tumultuous few years, yet each one of these teachers provided such stability, comfort, love and care whenever I needed. Zoom screens and WhatsApp phone calls were my lifeline, especially with these incredible people on the other side of the line.
I have had incredible chavrutot; Reb Tanya Farber, Rabbanit Liz Shayne, Phoebe Ana Rabinowitsch, Michal Arkovitz and Rivka Wietchner. My incredible cohort - thanks for keeping me laughing all the time; Yael, Emily, Michal, and Phoebe Ana. Rav Steven Exler and Dr. Shira Billet, your friendship and mentorship has been priceless and I feel privileged that our families are so connected.
I would like to thank my parents, whose home is always filled with Torah and joy, and who always encouraged me to think for myself while grounding myself in tradition. Thank you for your love and care always, for being the ground beneath me always. Thank you to my siblings for being a home for me no matter where I go; Yehoshua, Yocheved, Meir, Shani, Asher, Miriam, Yitzi and Netanel. I am grateful for my in-laws for all their love and care, and for being incredible grandparents and parents.
Thank you to my daughters, Dahlia, Gabriella and Molly, for encouraging me to go forward, for giving me time and space to grow and also teaching me about the world with your incredible minds. I feel lucky to be your Eema always.
Thank you to my life partner Jeremy - it has been a long journey and you have been my biggest cheerleader and support the whole way through. Your incredible wisdom, humor, and belief in me is a gift that I treasure.
All of these people in my life are incredible berachot, and I am most grateful to the One Above, HaKadosh Baruch Hu, for sending these people my way.
With profound gratitude to Rav Avi and Rabba Sara for all that you have created and accomplished. Your vision, fortitude, and boundless energy has enriched and inspired us beyond measure.
And, with great excitement and mazal tov to all the Maharat graduates,
the world needs your wisdom, creativity, and rabbinic guidance.
Go forth with strength!
Esther and Richard Cantor