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

[onanothertopic.livejournal.com]

Sorry I'm commenting late, but from the little I know of you, you seem to have a good head on your shoulders and a real commitment to Judaism, two things which MANY rabbis could stand to work on. If those who know you think it's a good idea, count me in with them.

The ALEPH program may not be for you in particular, but Rachel Barenblat, whom I knew long ago IRL and think very highly of, is doing it. See http://velveteenrabbi.blogs.com. If you haven't checked her out already, do--she has a lot of good stuff to say which I think would "resonate" with you. I need to get her onto the mikveh comm, but I need to write a "hi, reintroducing myself after 1000 years" message, which I haven't gotten around to.

Be well,
rsh

[wrenb.livejournal.com]

Velveteen Rabbi rocks! I've been reading her on and off for years now. She's really amazing. Some of what she wrote about her chaplaincy sounds so challenging that I stop and think "Maybe this isn't exactly what I want to do with my life". But I'm so glad that there are people who can do that work.

It would be extraordinarily cool to have her in the mikveh community.