Vision Statement

Judaism has always been a strong guiding force throughout my life. Growing up in Houston, Texas, I was very active in religious school, youth group, and the URJ camping movement. In college, I volunteered for leadership roles at the University of Texas Hillel, which in turn inspired me to become a Rabbi.

Ani M’amin, I believe that Judaism is an evolving tradition infused with the spirit of many generations of seekers looking to find connections and become closer to their heritage. As a result, one of the main goals of my Rabbinate is to help others to understand the beauty and complexity of our religion, our people, and our tradition. In order to accomplish the goal of bringing Jews closer to their heritage, I view my Rabbinate to be guided by the three main principles of Reform Judaism: God, Torah, and Klal Yisrael.

Ani M’amin, I believe in the idea that there is something larger than the single individual connecting us all together, guiding us towards ethical and moral living. We in Judaism have attempted to capture glimpses of the Divine, and I feel we are always striving for more connections. Therefore, one of the key components of my Rabbinate is to welcome and assist people in their spiritual journeys and to help them find their own connections with God.

Ani M’amin, I believe in the evolving tradition of Torah. I have learned in my studies that how we are not the first generation to deal with life’s difficult questions. Nor are we the first to write down our innermost thoughts, desires, and prayers. Rather, I have come to understand that we are most fortunate to have a tradition that dates back thousands of years and is inspired by individuals much like ourselves. As a result, their writings can help guide us towards more enlightened lives. I wish to help others discover the beauty and insight contained in our texts, literatures, traditions, customs, and liturgies.

Ani M’amin, I believe every interaction with others also contains the possibility of encountering the Divine. It is my prayer that my Rabbinate will be blessed with many opportunities to meet and serve people at all stages of life, be they moments of rejoicing or sorrow. It is in these moments of happiness, tension, sadness, and even the most mundane that we as a people are able to see God within each other.

Through the exploration of these concepts, I feel I can help my Congregants gain a sense of self and a sense of inner peace. Through this interaction with our heritage, Ani M’amin, I believe we can all come closer to tradition. My dream is helping others to raise their own Jewish literacy and knowledge. This in turn will help them realize how they are connected to a tradition that can serve as a wellspring of inspiration for all aspects of their lives. My vision is how this in turn will help to keep Judaism alive and vibrant as each member of our communal faith strives to learn and to do more as he or she pursue peace, justice, and comes closer to Torah.

I aspire to bring this vision to fruition through all of my activities as the Rabbi. I have also aspired to live by this vision in my own home with my wonderful and supportive family by striving to live according to the words of Rabbi Hillel, “Be of the disciples of Aaron, loving peace and pursuing peace, loving the people, and bringing them closer to Torah.” [Pirkei Avot 1:12]