Rebecca Keren Eisenstadt Jablonski, a dynamic and in-demand rabbi based in New York City, is set to release her debut book, Confessions of a Female Rabbi. Published by Viva Editions/Simon & Schuster, this memoir offers a unique glimpse into the evolving world of religious practice and its relevance in today’s on-demand culture. Scheduled for release in August 2024, the book is already available for presale.
Rabbi Rebecca Keren, as she is fondly known, is not just an author but a seasoned private educator, officiant, and spiritual facilitator. With a background that includes semicha from Mesifta Adas Wolkowisk in New York and honors from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, she brings a blend of academic rigor and creative expression to her work. Over the past 15 years, she has dedicated herself to making Jewish traditions accessible and meaningful to a diverse array of families. Her rabbinate is more relevant than ever as church and synagogue membership is on the decline in America, a phenomenon the book explores, and she coins as “The Great De-shuling.”
Photo Courtesy: Rebecca Keren
Her services span various Jewish lifecycle events such as weddings, funerals, baby namings, and bespoke holiday gatherings. Additionally, she offers tailored tutoring in B’nai Mitzvah, Hebrew, and Judaic Studies, working closely with several synagogues in Manhattan and maintaining affiliations with rabbis across the United States and Israel.
In Confessions of a Female Rabbi, Rebecca Keren Jablonski delves into her experiences as a modern rabbi navigating a landscape where traditional religious institutions often struggle to maintain attendance. The memoir not only shares her personal journey but also highlights her innovative approaches to religious practice. Through detailed case studies, readers will discover how she has successfully connected with families who might otherwise distance themselves from religious observance.
Photo Courtesy: Rebecca Keren
NFL legend and TV personality Michael Strahan has praised her as “THE coach” for religious training and Jewish lifecycle events. This endorsement underscores her reputation for making significant impacts within her community. Her memoir reveals how she engages with families from various backgrounds, helping them find spiritual fulfillment in contemporary settings.
Rebecca’s approach is particularly resonant in an era where disruptor brands are redefining consumer habits and information consumption. She argues that religion, too, needs to evolve, suggesting that a 3,000-year-old tradition can benefit from modern makeovers to stay relevant. Her book offers insights into the transformations she has facilitated, from working with children with learning challenges to supporting interfaith couples and secular Jews around the world.
One of the most compelling aspects of her memoir is its focus on personal and communal transformations. Rebecca Keren Jablonski shares stories of working with children with learning challenges, helping them to connect with their faith in meaningful ways. She has also guided divorced families, interfaith couples, atheists, and secular Jews through various religious rites, providing a personalized approach that respects their unique circumstances.
Rabbi Rebecca’s work extends beyond individual families. She is actively involved with several charities that support veterans and the needy, reflecting her commitment to broader societal contributions. Her memoir is not just a reflection on personal and communal spirituality but also a call to action for innovative religious leadership.
In Confessions of a Female Rabbi, readers will find touching universal stories of birth, coming of age, weddings, divorce, conversion, and sacred times. These narratives affirm the deeper meaning that can be found when individuals make space for something holy in the circle of life. Rebecca’s insights as a reflective and relatable spiritual facilitator make her book a valuable resource for those seeking to understand the evolving nature of faith and tradition.
Photo Courtesy: Rebecca Keren
As Rebecca Keren Jablonski continues to develop a follow-up documentary series about her life as a female rabbi, her influence is set to grow. Living in New York City with her husband Ben and their dog Scout, she embodies the modern spiritual leader – dynamic, accessible, and deeply connected to her roots.
Her memoir is poised to resonate with a wide audience, from the religiously curious to those seeking deeper connections within their faith. It speaks to the complexities of modern religious identity and offers valuable lessons on maintaining faith and tradition in a rapidly changing world.
For more information on Confessions of a Female Rabbi and to preorder the book, visit her website at rebeccakeren.com and follow her on social media @myhotrabbi. The memoir promises to be an enlightening read for anyone interested in the intersection of tradition, faith, and contemporary life.
Link to purchase the book on Amazon.
Published by: Khy Talara
