Crazy Idea, or Is It?

[wrenb]

Last week I was at the Union for Reform Judaism Biennial convention. I had a wonderful time attending workshops, concerts, a play, and praying a whole lot (and, a.n.ers, meeting Karen for dinner and photos). In addition to the ideas I've got for improving my committee work, I've come home with a crazy idea percolating in my brain.

Would I make a good rabbi? I have an undergraduate degree in psychology, which reflects my desire 10 years ago to counsel people with problems, not with serious mental illnesses. I have always been an institutional prayer kind of girl, ever since Sunday School at the age of 7. I'm a regular on the Torah reading schedule. I have a good voice, but very few technical musical skills, so I feel that being a cantor (a Jewish professional singer/musician) isn't available to me.

On the other hand I'm shy. And I can't go back to school for at least another 2 years. I'd like to spend some years at home with my hypothetical future kids. And this is an idea, not a burning passion.

But I've just spent 5 days surrounded by rabbis, cantors & Jewish professionals, and I felt a deep bond with them. I don't want to be a secretary my whole life. I want to lead prayer and help people through their troubles.

If I do this I need to learn Hebrew far better than I do right now. First year rabbinic students live in Jerusalem. And I can't speak Hebrew, only pronounce it. I wish I could take a class at the UW, but that's not in the budget right now. I do have a workbook that I never finished that I could go back to working through. I figure Hebrew and Torah study (Saturday mornings at my synagogue) are baby steps I can take.

Am I dreaming far beyond my abilities and talents?

Comments

[red-ruby.livejournal.com]

IANAJ either, but I think this sounds like a worthwhile and satisfying road to pursue -- whether it leads to a larger lay-person's role or one within the actual clergy (is that the right term?), I can't imagine such investigation, thought and preparation would ever be wasted.

(As for the university degree, my DH has a degree in philosophy, and has oft said that if he were "a believer", he'd be clergy. There's something very powerful about a well trained, compassionate mind combined with a spiritual being. And that's something I respect despite not being very 'religious' myself....)