I’ve got to update this damn thing again.
It’s my own fault. I keep reinventing myself. You’d think that at this point — in my upper 60s, edging towards 70 (although inside there’s an 18-year-old wondering what the hell happened) — I’d be willing to settle down, maybe retire.
But when I tried retirement a few years ago I fell into a new job three weeks later.
In two days it will be exactly nine years since my ordination. Twenty years since I earned an MA as a Jewish educator. And in two months from now (now being early 2026) I will start over again as a freelance rabbi, after working for someone else for the past year.
I love being a rabbi. I’ve taught people ages 2 to 92. I’ve named babies and buried seniors. I’ve married a bunch of couples and I’ve led services in so many synagogues that I’ve lost count.
I’ve trained bar & bar mitzvah kids and taught adults who wanted the experience but never had a chance. I’ve blessed people, laughed with them, mourned with them, and sat with them while they died.
I’ve written a weekly blog since July 2014 and haven’t missed a week. I’ve written prayers and poems and op-ed pieces, and created adult education curricula. My writing has been printed in books and published online. I’ve spoken at churches and rallies and marches.
I’m a breast cancer survivor who was told in January 1999 to go home and write my will because there was just too much cancer. And here I am 27 years later, still muddling along and trying my best to be a good person but sometimes falling short because I am so far from perfect that it’s astonishing.
Despite every survivor’s best efforts, cancer changes a person. I think in my case I ended up a better person, although I can’t know for sure because the road not taken lies in silence and dust.
The road ahead is winding out of sight. Each turn will probably reveal something new. I’m looking forward to it.
If you want to read a more everyday description of me, you’ll find it on the page called About Me: Formal Version.
SRQ Jew 
Rabbi…I am a 77 year old who was raised in the Catholic Church. Recently through DNA testing I have learned that my father was 1/2 Jewish on his father’s side. I am at a loss to understand and accept my Jewish Heritage. Any suggestions?
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Write to me at my email and let’s have a conversation. SRQrabbi@gmail.com
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How would I email you an invitation to attend an event in SRQ?
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Srqrabbi@gmail.com
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Jennifer,
Had a recent post forwarded to me.
Can I receive a weekly email with your post?
Hope you and your girls are good. Both of our kids are well, and Maggie is sensational.
MARK
msharff@gmail.com
941.374.1107
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Sure. Go to the home page at srqjew.wordpress.com and you’ll see a place to sign up on the right. Glad to hear all is well. Us too!
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Dear Jennifer,
You are quite sane..and blessed… for knowing what you want. The questions you ask revolve about the logistics of getting there.
What are the necessary steps to reach your goal?
If you break it down into manageable bites and inlcude the specific areas in which you need help, I believe you will get it.
Right now, it’s too vague for uninformed folks like me.
In practicial terms what does it mean to go to rabbinic school? Can one attend part time? What available scholarships are offered? I’m imagining steps, each one moving you closer to your goals.
You are an amazing and fabulous woman. Put it out there and you will recieve all the necessary support.
Simplistic? Maybe.
Go for it!
Estelle
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Jennifer,
I have a friend who is the senior rabbi at a congregation in Knoxville, Tenn. Her emeritus rabbi replaced Andy Bossov at Temple Emanuel. She was a VP at Fannie Mae (back in the 90’s when they were doing good business) when she heard the call. I met her when I was working for the senior rabbi at Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple in Beachwood, Ohio and she was participating in a Wexberg fellowship. To paraphrase her response when I asked “why?” she said it was a request I could not refuse. I say go for it!!! all the other details will work themselves out.
Sherry
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