Dear DJC Members,

It is with joy and excitement that we announce that we have been very fortunate to have found the amazing Melissa Heller, a rabbinical student entering her final year of study at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in Philadelphia. Melissa will be our student rabbi for the coming year.

Some of us have already had the pleasure of meeting Melissa at a Torah Study she led. The rest of you will have that chance when Melissa leads us in High Holiday services in September and subsequently when she visits one weekend a month to conduct services, lead study groups, and help us build our community.

A New York City native, Melissa earned a degree in History from Binghamton University. She has a background in organizational management, education and advocacy. While in college, Melissa served as an emergency medical technician and worked closely with the Southern Tier AIDS Program. Prior to rabbinical school, Melissa worked in the field of medical education for several years.

Melissa has a passion for Biblical studies and the Hebrew language. During her time in rabbinical school, she immensely enjoyed her work as a teaching assistant for both RRC and the Lutheran Theological Seminary of Philadelphia.

Melissa’s rabbinic interests include chaplaincy and interfaith dialogue. In addition to her role at the DJC, she is the Program Manager for RRC’s expanding initiatives in interfaith education.

Melissa has significant camp and youth education experience. She has worked at Berkshire Hills-Emanuel Camps, a residential summer camp in New York, since 1988. This is where she met her partner, Abe. Together, they are blessed to be raising their beautiful daughter, Ruby.

In Melissa’s own words, “I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know you… Your love and commitment to the community you have created together is inspiring and energizing.”

We are equally inspired. Please join the Board in welcoming Melissa Heller to our community.

DJC Board of Directors

Dear Members of the Danforth Jewish Circle,

It is with a combination of excitement and gratitude that I look forward to the year ahead. At this point in my rabbinic journey, I am thrilled to be partnering with the DJC. Your commitment to community, inclusiveness and continued spiritual and intellectual growth is evident and inspiring.

In the months to come, as we celebrate the High Holidays, gather for Shabbat or a lively discussion, and mark personal milestones through lifecycle events, I look forward to learning about you and the unique gifts and perspectives each one of you brings to enrich this community. I look forward to learning with you as we strive to find connection and meaning in Jewish life.

In Pirkei Avot we read:

Who is wise? One who learns from all people, as it is written in Psalm 119: "I have gained understanding from all my teachers."

In the year ahead may we all grow in wisdom as we serve as teachers to one another.

With Blessings,
Melissa

Download a PDF file of the Board Announcement or Melissa Heller's Letter

Download a WORD file of the Board Announcement or Melissa Heller's Letter

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