Since arriving at Maharat in the middle of a pandemic four years ago, I have been filled with gratitude for the trailblazing women who came before me and paved the way for me to pursue the rabbinate. If not for women like Mrs. Esther Krauss, Rabbanit Chana Henkin, and my beloved teacher Rabbanit Devorah Zlochower, I would not be the woman nor learner I am today.

 

I am blessed with a love of learning that blossomed under the guidance of excellent teachers long before I started at Maharat. I am forever indebted to Rabbi Dina Najman who first opened the world of Gemara to me as a precocious eleven-year-old and continues to ensure that I find my place in the chain of tradition long after I left her classroom. Mrs. Rivka Kahan took the time out of her busy principal schedule to teach an elective for three students, illustrating just how seriously she took our learning while inspiring me to really sit with texts. I am indebted to Rabbi Jay Goldmintz for his patience with a cynical high school senior and his deep wisdom that continues to inspire me. Rabbanit Debbie Zimmerman not only taught me Torah but was a light in a dark time. My teachers at Drisha - Rabbi Dr. Jon Kelsen, Dudi Goshen, and Miriam Gedwiser - not only modeled a deep passion for learning but a true appreciation for the artistry within Torah texts.

 

My teachers and chavrutot at Maharat are a constant inspiration. Reb Jeff not only taught me the details of many textual contradictions but how to truly love halacha for all of its twists and turns. Rabba Wendy and Rabbanit Devorah model how to love Torah despite misogynistic texts. Rabba Sara taught me how to translate my ideas into something tangible and accessible. Maya Bernstein is a true Renaissance woman who continues to encourage me to go beyond what’s been done to what we might accomplish. Through her deep scholarship and attention to detail, Rabbi Erin convinced me that maybe I am a bit of a Hasid, after all. Reb Tanya and Rabbanit Liz - it is an honor to be your student and friend. My chavrutot - Leah, Tamar, Talia, and Sarah - have pushed me to learn more and better since my first day. I am indebted to your color coding, charts, memes, and note taking. Rabbis Steven Exler and Danya Ruttenberg are mentors par excellence and always encouraged me to pursue what I was interested in.

 

My path to the rabbinate was a surprise to me, but not to anybody else in my orbit. Hart Levine, my “co-conspirator” at the Beis Community, showed me with his trademark humor and humility that there’s more than one way to lead a shul community. Yael Brodsky Levine modeled how to engage communally on my own terms and how to have fun while doing so. I am so lucky to have benefited from my “frentor” Sarah Allen’s gentle nudging and deep wisdom. Erin Beser not only gave me a job but shaped me into the educator I am today. Rabbi Charlie Schwartz taught me what pluralism is and later gave me the chance to put it into practice for others. Lynda Bachman and Caroline Rothstein - thank you for your leadership and modeling creativity as a Jewish artist.

 

My chosen family has shaped me into who I am today. Tante Ellen and Uncle Shalom: I can’t put into words how lucky I am to be loved by you. Tante Cheved and Uncle Nathan: I am so grateful to have grown up in your home full of laughter, learning, and love. Miriam and Michael: thank you for the cookies, built-in friends, and years of coffee. Zahava, David, Ari, Gili, and Yonah: I have never felt at home somewhere as quickly as I did with you. The Zitter clan is responsible for a childhood belief that only girls learn Torah. Eliyahu and Aderet: you are the best teachers in how to love without abandon, ask good questions, and have confidence when nobody else does.

 

My biological family inspires me to do hard things because I know they’ll be there no matter what. The aunts in the “sister chat” (Aunt Jan, Mich, Auntie Steph) are perhaps the most tenacious, persistent, compassionate, silly, loving, and confidence-inspiring people I know. As I grow older, I appreciate my Uncle-uncle David and Aunt Sue more and more; they are not only loving “grandparents” but deeply committed citizens and inspiring communal leaders. Even though I didn’t get to know my Saba and Savta zt’’l as an adult, their legacies inspire me every day.

 

I am so lucky that in addition to my husband, I also have his family in my corner. Beth, Scott, and Melissa Gelman are the best in-laws I could dream up for myself. My dearest friends Nachi Lederer and Shai Wiesel have seen me through the awkward high school years until now. I am a better person because you love me.

 

There aren’t enough words to describe how my parents, Jordan and Marjorie Hirsch, have pushed me to do what I thought was impossible. I am forever grateful for a childhood home overflowing with radical hospitality, unconditional love, belly laughs, retold stories, and good music. Abba - your unique blend of cynicism and idealism continues to motivate me to be the best version of myself as a rabbi and person. Momma - your reassurance through uncertainty gives me a foundation upon which to build. Yak and Kopl - I am so lucky that I get to be a sister to such compassionate and goofy people.

 

I couldn’t have done any of this without the constant, unwavering support of Samuel H. Gelman, my chavruta in Torah and life who has been looking forward to being my rebbetzin since our first date. Thank you for being my rabbi.

 

And of course, thank you to the Ribbono Shel Olam who ensured that I was born at the right time and the right place to benefit from the support and love of all of these people and institutions.