Rabbi Julia Weisz is Congregation Or Ami’s Director of Education and one of Or Ami’s rabbis. Rabbi Weisz (or Rabbi Julia, as some call her) reflects upon her rabbinate:

In college I discovered I was interested in the emotional and spiritual aspects of healing addressed by rabbis. I explored this healing journey as a summer chaplaincy intern at UCLA Ronald Reagan Hospital, and as a student rabbi in the Santa Ynez Valley. Ultimately, I poured myself into the study of Psalms, the Biblical poetry, and discovered time-tested resources to heal our brokenness.

From the moment I stepped on the bimah during High Holy Days services years ago, I fell in love with Congregation Or Ami. The congregants and my clergy partners continually build a warm and supportive community. I believe that sharing the joys and struggles of life with each other is the ultimate support and care that a community can offer. Or Ami’s commitment to henaynu (caring community) demonstrates our commitment to caring for one another. I love that my office has become a hang-out space for our teens, who feel comfortable to confide their worries and share their lives with me.