Rabbi Donna Adler

I began my Jewish education the same time I began public school, at the age of four. From kindergarten through high school I attended two schools in the town where I was born, Brookline, Massachusetts. My family participated in Judaism in different ways. My grandfather, Maurice Sapers, was a regular shul goer and I attended services with him each week. The rabbi knew that he could count on my grandfather without having to ask.

My grandmother, Ann Benjamin Sapers, was involved in Jewish organizations and I helped her stuff many an envelope. My parents, Elayne and Alfred Greenfield, brought the joy of Judaism into our home with rituals and observances. Living in the same building as my mother's parents, my sister, Amy, and I used to watch out the window for my grandfather. When he would reach the door, we would gather at the table to make kiddush. What my grandfather lacked in being able to carry a tune, he made up for with his enthusiasm for our faith.

My very first teacher told us Bible stories and legends which helped me to see God's presence in my own life. After the children's service on Shabbat morning, I had the honor of joining my grandfather in the main congregation. My grandfather was an usher so he didn't sit down very much. However, when he was able to sit down, he placed himself at my side in the back row, so he could greet any late comers We always sat together for the rabbi's sermon. On the way home, we could discuss what the rabbi said in age appropriate language. This taught me that the Torah is important for every day living.

I was among the first girls to become a Bat Mitzvah in our conservative congregation. Afterwards, I was given the option of attending Hebrew High School or taking horseback riding lessons. I had wanted a horse since I was six years old. However, I chose to attend Hebrew High School. I had become enamored with the Hebrew language ever since I had learned that the word for echo translated as "the daughter of a voice" and school was "the house of books."

After receiving an M.S.W. in psychiatric social work and practicing counseling for several years, I decided to continue my Jewish studies. In Boston, I attended Hebrew College and received a masters degree in Hebrew Language. I had been assisting Rabbi Emeritus, Rabbi Albert Goldstein, and at his suggestion decided to take Judaism out of the periphery of my life and place it at the core of my life. At my interview, at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, I was asked to name my favorite book. I was studying the prophets and responded, "Amos." Having grown up in the sixties, I saw what Amos said as applicable to my society. To this day, the words of Amos, who castigated the rich for taking advantage of the poor, inform my life.

I received ordination from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati in 1987. During this time at my student pulpit, I met my husband, Rabbi Bruce Adler, who was serving his first congregation, in Niagara Falls. I spent two years in an internship at the Reform Temple there, before we moved to the Cincinnati area. We moved to Hamilton, where Bruce served as the rabbi of the conservative synagogue, while I completed my rabbinic studies. After twelve years as educational director of Beth Israel, it was time to begin a new venture.

We began with B'nai Tikvah in 1998. Our mission statement reflects the words of Amos, and we take upon ourselves the responsibility to give back to the community. We are part of a family who reaches out to others and accepts diversity as strengths. I am now teaching and directing our Religious School. Throughout my life, I have been a teacher. Whether in a school setting, one to one, or in a group, it is the teaching part of the rabbinate which has always drawn me. It is a magic moment when a student of any age sees the connection of faith and trust in God in their own lives. We all know that a wonderful way of learning is to teach. The Talmud says it best, "From all of my students have I learned."

This has been and continues to be an incredible journey where we all learn and teach each other.

Rabbi Donna G. Adler