Autumn Years Fall 2023

Noting that the word “rabbi” means “teacher,” she talks about how she guides people back to being more interested in Judaism. She recalls that during her childhood, her family’s religious practices were limited.

Rabbi Ziona’s parents celebrating their 50th anniversary, 1998.

to me. I work as an independent rabbi, as a hospital chaplain and as a volunteer Disaster Spiritual Care supervisor for the American Red Cross.” Noting that the word “rabbi” means “teacher,” she talks about how she guides people back to being more interested in Judaism. She recalls that during her childhood,

When her guru in India offered to teach her Sanskrit, she realized she had her own ancient language to learn, which is Biblical Hebrew. She sought Jewish knowledge, so she studied Jewish literature with different many rabbis. “I became interested because it gave me some ways to understand Judaism in a logical or intellectual way, not only in a spiritual and emotional way. What led me further to the rabbinate was my thirst to learn ancient texts, my love to teach and my compassion for others.” Then she applied to rabbinic school and studied for six years at the Academy for Jewish Religion in Yonkers, New York, receiving ordination in 2010. “I am now a rabbi and use all my experiences and knowledge I gained via anthropology and the various teachings in my work with clients who reach out

American Red Cross volunteer work as a Disaster Spiritual Care provider.

another on the basis of their degree of interpretation of the Jewish law (www. myjewishlearning.com/article/halakhic texts-101/) Orthodox Judaism is considered the most traditional and interprets the Jewish law in a strict way. It generally recognizes only the authority of male rabbis; while Conservative, Reform and Reconstructionist Judaism have more diverse leadership structures, allowing for greater participation and leadership roles for women in practicing the Jewish law, in studying it and leading others to it. Because gender roles are strictly defined in Orthodox Judaism, which does not recognize women as rabbis, Rabbi Ziona has encountered disrespect from the Orthodox community. “My work as a female rabbi, who has the knowledge of the Jewish teachings, has

her family’s religious practices were limited. “I remember going to the synagogue only a few times a year and celebrating the major Jewish holidays. I grew up in a home in which Shabbat was not observed, although my mom lit the Shabbat candles,” she says. Shabbat candles are lit just before sundown each Friday to welcome the Sabbath with a special recitation. “I came a long way to realize the value of observing the Jewish laws, and I use my own experience to lead others to this direction,” she says. She explains differences within Judaism, “referred to as streams, movements or denominations: Orthodox, Reform, Conservative and Reconstructionist.” Rabbi Ziona says, “While all the denominations believe in One God and have the Torah, they are mainly distinguished from one

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AUTUMN YEARS I FALL 2023