About Me
My Work
I am a writer. I have written through life changes, as a woman, as a Jew, as a mother, an American, an Israeli, and as a professional in the Jewish community. Like so many others, I live with a deep sense of being a stranger -- a Jew in America, a midwesterner in the west and then the Middle East, an intuitive person in a world that tries to fashion itself on rational thought -- while also being deeply invested in community. This site includes writing that is personal and political, a record and a call to action.
Awards
- Frank Zeidler Award, Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee (2021)
- Partners in Change Award, at 90th Annual LULAC Annual Convention and Exposition (2019)
- Master thesis on Cultivating Empathy to Bridge Divides Between People in Deep Conflict (2017)
- Tikkun Ha-Ir’s Uniting for Change Award (2017)
- JCPA Program Award for Hours Against Hate (2014)
- Community Service Award from Congregation Anshai Lebowitz (2007)
- Rockower Awards for Excellence in the Jewish Press — Louis Rapoport Award for Excellence in Commentary and Micro-Circulation Award for Overall Excellence (2005)
My BIO
My career has been devoted to building community and fighting polarization. Over the last two decades, I have held the following roles:
- Associate Dean for Outreach at Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership
- JCRC Director at the Milwaukee Jewish Federation
- Editor of the Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle
Education
I earned an MA in Jewish Professional Studies from Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership and a BFA from Emerson College. In 2021, I earned a Certificate in Jewish Leadership from Spertus and Northwestern University.
Volunteer Involvement
I have served as chair of the Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee and the American Jewish Press Association. I have also served on the governing committee of the Lux Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies at Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology; the founding task force of the Community Coalition for Quality Policing; the board of We are Many: United Against Hate and Tikkun B’Yachad: Repairing Together.
Other Involvement:
I have served as a facilitator for Encounter and participated in Bend the Arc's Selah Leadership Program for Jews who work in social justice.