how to make a rabbi

Another how-to (and digression, I REALLY want to get to the wedding reception/afterparty). Today I had the privilege of attending the rabbinical ordination of a dear teacher and (hopefully!) lifelong friend. We met through the synagogue my husband and I attend, and she's been with me on this amazing journey of conversion and b'nai mitzvah. For the past five years she has been preparing for this moment, and today marked the culmination of her studies and training as she was conferred the title "rabbi."

The actual ordination process took place in a ceremony somewhat similar to a graduation, except instead of caps and gowns there were yarmulkes and tallit (and plenty of blessings). Although the service was a bit longer than I expected, it was worth every second. I suspected it might be a bit long when I inspected the service program...


Not only were HUC (Hebrew Union College) rabbinical students ordained, but the cantorial students also received their investiture. And, I would like to point out, that the cantorial students also spend a good amount of time in study, sometimes just as long as a rabbinical student.

Each student had a paragraph blurb about their pre-HUC studies and work (one woman had been a social worker since the 70's!), a few sentences about the many and varied Jewish organizations and congregations they interned with during their period of study, and sometimes a bit about their family (hi Mom! just kidding, they were all serious). Each students' bio was remarkable - an Air Force chaplain, a thirteenth (or fourteenth?) generation rabbi and a few almost-rabbis who were married, or soon to be married, to other rabbis.

Since my first shout out went to the new Rabbi G., my next shout out goes to Temple Emanu-El of Manhattan. Never have I been in such a space that felt so "Jewishly" sacred. I think I am somewhat swayed by my Christian background, and the fact that I haven't made aliyah to Israel, but MAN this place is gorgeous.

Here's the rose window that faces Central Park.
This place literally felt 5-6 stories tall.

More stained glass windows. My favorite had a unicorn...didn't get a picture of it.



The ceiling was also gorgeous. The wooden rafters were carved and painted. Simply incredible.

You get a sneak peek of the bimah above. The pillars are alternating colors of marble and the surrounding arches were inlaid tile mosaic. A choir sat in the black area behind the pillars. Their voices literally came out of nowhere and filled the entire synagogue, which BTW, was HUGE. This place can easily fit 500+.

During the actual ordination, the President of the College said a blessing over each new rabbi in front of the open ark of Torah scrolls. In special circumstances where the students had a relation to a rabbi or cantor, that family member came up to say another blessing. What was both good and bad about this portion of the service was that the audience cannot hear what's being said, which, again, is both good and bad. We could see there were lots of tears.

Here is the new Rabbi G. (the IInd!) receiving a blessing from Rabbi G. (the Ist).

And here are the 22 rabbis and 9 cantors.

I actually cheated - this picture was taken at the beginning of the service.

So, mazel tov to Rabbi G.! You've worked so long for this moment - savor it and never forget.