We’d like to share some of Rabbi Glickman’s background with you. She grew up and did her undergraduate education here in Toronto. She was then ordained as a Rabbi in 2004 at Hebrew Union College, the rabbinical school of the Reform movement, so she has almost two decades of experience as a Rabbi and educator. During that time, she has served congregations like Habonim here in Toronto, Am Shalom in Barrie, Shaarei Tefillah in Manhattan, and Scarsdale Synagogue in New York state. She has also worked with and belonged to numerous Jewish organizations, such as the Reform Rabbis of Greater Toronto, the Toronto Board of Rabbis, the Canadian Council for Reform Judaism and Hillel. On top of all that, Rabbi Glickman has completed two Masters degrees in Hebrew Literature and Religious Education and is currently working on a Doctorate in Jewish Education. Oh, and did we mention that she’s a certified yoga teacher?
Rabbi Glickman’s family deserves a mention too. Her husband, David Rosen, is the Senior Cantor at Holy Blossom, and their 10-year-old son Joel is a member of the Canadian Children’s Opera Chorus’s Principal Chorus and will perform this fall in Carmen with the Canadian Opera Company. This is a seriously musical family. And we can assure you that Rabbi Glickman also sings like an angel.
So what can we expect as a community from Rabbi Glickman? As a passionate, forward-thinking, and compassionate rabbi, Rabbi Glickman will connect with our DJC community and help us engage with one another as we seek to strengthen our commitment to Jewish wisdom, Tikkun Olam, and spiritual practice. She believes in a cohesive, holistic approach to Jewish education and Jewish identity building. She also brings expertise in creating and leading dynamic, joyful and participatory worship and learning experiences.
Rabbi Glickman has proven success in advancing Jewish communal goals, evolving educational systems, and bringing individuals and families to deeper Jewish involvement. And she has the ability to engage and inspire passion among different generations through strong social and facilitation skills.
Why are we hiring an interim rabbi?
It is standard practice in faith-based organizations to hire an interim when the beloved clergy leaves. An interim rabbi affords our congregation the opportunity to mourn our loss and then begin to see the world post-Rabbi Miriam. Without an interim rabbi, it might be difficult for us to embrace a new rabbi without the time and space necessary for grieving, spending time in the messy middle, and then becoming ready to accept our next permanent spiritual leader. We want to set up our next permanent rabbi for success.
We are so lucky to have found Rabbi Ilyse Glickman. We feel she is a wonderful fit for our progressive and inclusive DJC community. Welcome to the DJC, Rabbi Glickman!