Dr. Meira Wolkenfeld
Meira serves as rabbanit at Congregation Beth Israel in Berkeley, CA. She earned her doctorate in Talmud from Yeshiva University in 2022. Her project focused on the sense of smell in the world of the Babylonian Talmud. She also studied at the Graduate Program in Advanced Talmudic Studies (GPATS) at Stern College after earning her BA in Ancient Near Eastern Civilizations and Cultures at UCLA. She has taught at Nyack College, Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, and the Drisha High School Program.
The Torah calls Miriam a prophet, which is a little strange considering that it never tells us that she received a prophecy. What did Miriam prophesize?
Perhaps she saw a room overflowing with people celebrating a smicha ceremony. I don’t know, the Torah never tells us.
The Torah tells us that after the Jewish people crossed the sea, Miriam grabbed her timbrel and all the women followed her with timbrels and dances.
Perhaps that ability to dance was Miriam’s prophecy.
The midrash asks: Where did those timbrels come from? And answers, that the righteous packed instruments while they were still in Egypt. Amid bondage, they imagined redemption.
The gemara tells us that a leader should be distressed with their community – יְצַעֵר אָדָם עִם הַצִּבּוּר. When the Jewish people experience pain, their leaders should demonstrate that they too feel pain.
The gemara explains that when the Jewish people were at war with Amalek, Moshe couldn’t fight, so he sat on a hard rock instead of a couch pillow. Moshe said: Since you are in pain, I will sit in pain. As I graduate, I’m taking my rock, to sit in pain with the Jewish people like Moshe.
But I’m also taking my timbrel, ready to dance towards a better future like Miriam.
I Don’t Think I Qualify
$54.00
Rabbi. Eliakim J (hornung) Schwarz
*$18.00
Anat Sharbat
*$180.00
Mazal Tov to all the musmachot, and to Yeshivat Maharat.
We pray for the chatufim, the chayalim, and the Akurim.
Rabbi Jason Herman, Executive Director, International Rabbinic Fellowship
*$180.00
Mazel Tov to everyone at Yeshiva Maharat and Yasher Kochachot to all the musmakhot. May you go mechayil el chayil!
Congregation Beth Israel, Berkeley, Ca
$1,800.00
Mazal tov Rabbanit Dr. Meira Wolkenfeld
With gratitude for the Torah you live, teach, & exemplify
May you go from strength to strength
Congregation Beth Israel
Sarit and Jonathan Gribetz
*$360.00
Mazal tov Meytal, Yedidah, Dena, Meira, Rivka, Talia, Leah, Adina, Tamar, Miriam, Naima, and Rabba Sara! So proud of you!!!
Rabba Wendy Amsellem and Rabbi Mike Moskowitz
*$360.00
We are so inspired by what you have accomplished and so excited for the wonderful transformative work that you will do!
Liz Shayne (and Family)
*$360.00
Mazal tov to all of you! It was such a zechut to learn with you and from you and to be part of your Maharat journey!
Chana & Ari Greenspan & Family
$180.00
Mazel Tov Rabbanit Dr. Meira Wolkenfeld. The Jewish Community is so lucky to have you!
Rabba Aliza Libman Baronofsky and Ari Baronofsky
*$500.00
Avital Morris
*$36.00
Quarantine Mamas
$180.00
Mazel tov Meira on your semicha!! Love, Quarantine Mamas (Yael, Yael, Rachel, Amanda, Nava, Esty, Tamar, Gilana)
Rabbanit Tamar Green Eisenstst and Abe Eisenstat
*$10,000.00
Mazal tov to our amazing friends, colleagues, chevrutot, teachers, care providers, leaders, guides, wise souls and just general all around superstars. The rabbinate is blessed to have y’all join the ranks!
Rabbi Marianne Novak and Dr. Noam Stadlan
*$3,600.00
Congratulations to all the musmakhot on your accomplishment!
Desmid Lyon
$36.00
Carol & Jim Cunradi
$180.00
Mazal tov to everyone at Yeshivat Maharat!
Morissa & Andy Rubin
$180.00
Dear Rabbanit Meira,
We could not be more happy and proud.
With much love, Mom & Dad
Morissa & Andy Rubin
Preston and Anya Grant
$180.00
We are delighted and honored to have Dr. Meira Wolkenfeld as a leader in our community.
Mickey and Rena Wolkenfeld
$100.00