Rabbi Cantor Judy Greenfeld

Judaism is a vibrant spiritual practice. It can inspire; foster gratitude; cultivate joy; provide solace. Weaving an array of Jewish practices and sacred healing in every service and every class, I love awakening individuals and families to the relevance of ancient Jewish scriptures, traditions and rituals. From the Ten Commandments at Mt. Sinai to the Ten Sefirot of Kabbalah, Judaism offers deep textual and spiritual treasurers. 

My deep engagement with Judaism came about notwithstanding tragedy. When I was 16, my father was robbed and shot to death. Forever changed was the suburban Cleveland, Ohio life previously enjoyed by me, my four older siblings, and our mom. My dad loved Judaism and Israel. After his murder, Jewish holidays, synagogue, and services became a painful reminder of his absence. For a long time, I was angry with God. Struggling with unanswerable questions, I sought resolution and consolation by exploring different sacred and psychological sources. After decades, I returned to the faith of my ancestors. This time I was engaged by Judaism’s beauty and transcendence. 

During 2005 I founded the Nachshon Minyan, a sacred and religious community geared toward unaffiliated Jews, and Jews who deeply wanted to update their feelings about Judaism. I am proud to have helped hundreds of searchers and formerly “turned-off” individuals. In fact, that is really where I shine: bringing relevance to Jewish traditions and rituals. 

Through years of learning the scriptures and meaning of Torah, Mussar and Kabbalah, I am aware that our tradition holds a vast spectrum of wisdom and practices – meditation, dreamwork, sound and sonic geometry, healing through somatic dance – to open these venerated sources.  By awakening to and appreciating powerful, revered Jewish teachings, we connect through knowledge and seize the history, beauty and meaning of who we are.