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September 11, 2008

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

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.

Bruce Ellman: ‘Her work is so meaningful’

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.

The Rabbis Schuldenfrei: ‘It’s about sharing’

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.

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

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

How I returned

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.

More news and opinions than at a
Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.

More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.

More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.