Rabbi Nava Meiersdorf is one of our new Associate Rabbis.
Rabbi Nava B. Meiersdorf is passionate about engaging in spaces of prayer and spirituality, rooted in the understanding that there are many ways to be Jewish. She was ordained at the Schechter Institute and holds a bachelor’s degree in Education and Theater from Emunah College and a master’s degree in Talmud, Halakhah, and Community from the Schechter Institutes. Together with her spouse, Rabbi Yerach B. Meiersdorf, she founded the egalitarian minyan in the Ein Karem neighborhood of Jerusalem. Rabbi Nava established and led a center for creative and experiential prayer, spiritual learning, and practice, and served as the rabbi of the Fuchsberg Center in Jerusalem. Rabbi Nava is also one of the core leader of Nava Tehila, a fellow of the Honey Foundation, and, together with Rabbi Yerach, raises their two children—Maayan and Ariel.
Together with Rabbi Cutler, Cantor Stein, and Cantor Sharpe, the newest members of our clergy team are a key element in growing our congregation.
The addition of a third rabbi may seem bold, as it is a departure from the past. However, many of these part time positions have now been consolidated, and will be assumed by Rabbis Yerach and Nava. The Board was careful to select rabbis who exhibited the skill sets to assume these responsibilities.
Each Rabbi is as an Associate Rabbi, working together with Rabbi Cutler and our
Clergy team in all aspects of religious, educational, and pastoral activities for the
Congregation.
Both Rabbis are responsible for B’nei Mitzvah programming.
Both Rabbis work closely with Anna Gindin, our Director of Programming, in the
development and implementation of our myriad programs and events.
Both Rabbis have Shabbat morning responsibilities, including teaching and
preaching.
- Rabbi Nava assumes the role of Adath Youth Director, an important position we have been unable to fill for three years.
- Rabbi Nava serves as Principal of Adath Hebrew Academy.
- Rabbi Nava focuses on programming directed to babies through to high school.
- Rabbi Nava assists Rabbi Cutler in the supervision of kashrut in the Synagogue.
- Rabbi Nava supplements our Chazzanim in the leading of services.
May we continue to build the bridge for a stronger future.
