Who you calling rebbetzin, why you dissing Palin, what college anti-Semitism?

Published on September 17, 2008

" . . . I am just an average person that fits the person you describe in "Post-Palin Depression." I do not have a therapist, but I have been in depression for almost two weeks now . . . "

How I returned

By Rob Eshman
Published on September 11, 2008

But as much as she loves the pulpit, Naomi, like me, finds the modern synagogue problematic. She believes that Judaism offers people a sense of purpose, a mission to heal society and a fulfilling spiritual path, but that too often standard synagogue services don't attract or inspire Jews, much less compel them to commit to a community.

They also serve:  Rabbis’ spouses prove as diverse as roles they fill

By Danielle Berrin
Published on September 11, 2008

For as long as rabbis have been arguing Talmud, their wives have been at home preparing Shabbat dinner. Yet that image, along with expectations for clergy spouses, has evolved. For one, they're no longer all women. They're no longer always hovering in the background. And they're not always different genders.

Photo: Rabbi Brian, Rabbi Deborah and Heshel Schuldenfrei

The Rabbis Schuldenfrei: ‘It’s about sharing’

By Danielle Berrin
Published on September 11, 2008

Although it might seem that being both rabbis and rabbis' spouses would be the most challenging role of all, the Schuldenfreis have found a collegiality in their home that, had they married anyone else, they would miss.

Bruce Ellman: ‘Her work is so meaningful’

By Danielle Berrin
Published on September 11, 2008

What Ellman does or says, or even how their children behave, can be a reflection on the rabbi. There's a risk in being completely open with people, Ellman said, as there's always a possibility for distortion.

Peni Bouskila: ‘I feel I belong, so I’m happy to help’

By Danielle Berrin
Published on September 11, 2008

Initially, Bouskila harbored reservations about joining a large congregation. Her sister, who also is married to a rabbi, wound up in a community that was so unfairly demanding that the couple left and moved to Israel.

Rachel Bookstein: ‘We work better together’

By Danielle Berrin
Published on September 11, 2008

More than rabbi and rebbetzin, they serve as a model married couple for hundreds of Jewish students.

Marjorie Pressman: ‘I created my own role’

By Danielle Berrin
Published on September 11, 2008

Marjorie Pressman came of age in the heyday of the "traditional" rebbetzin -- the 1950s mold of women raising children, maintaining a kosher home and (quietly) supporting their husbands from the background.

David Light: ‘It’s a tricky balancing act’

By Danielle Berrin
Published on September 11, 2008

As the husband of a groundbreaking female rabbi who earlier this year was named among the most influential rabbis in the country by Newsweek, Light isn't threatened by reverse gender roles. His wife is the primary breadwinner, and he the primary caregiver.