American Rabbi Project Justin Regan

In the Season Three premiere, rabbis from across the country weigh in on what Passover traditions particularly speak to them after a year of pandemic.   

"Rabbanit" is not a common title Jewish clergy members go by. But for Alissa Thomas-Newborn her unique title is a reflection on her unique situation as an Orthodox woman with formal rabbinical training, and a clergy position at an Orthodox congregation. Thomas-Newborn chats about her special role, the challenges and opportunities of the modern world, and her chaplaincy work in mental health care. 

In the late 1800's many Jews came to West Virginia for the coal industry. About a hundred years later, Rabbi Victor Urecki came for the charm and warmth of the Charleston community. But it's an aging community with many of the young leaving Appalachia as the state's coal-based economy declines. Urecki talks about these challenges, the Pittsburgh shooting and his 50,000 comic book collection in the season 2 premier of American Rabbi Project.   

The next several episodes will profile some of the oldest congregations in America. Specifically, three that pre-date the United States. That includes Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim in Charleston, South Carolina. Rabbi Greg Kanter gives a tour of the historic sanctuary and how it ties into events like the American Revolution, the rise of the Reform movement and the Civil War. He also discusses his hopes and concerns for the future.  

Savannah, Georgia was originally founded for debtors, paupers and other people European society thought needed a new life in the "New World". Some of those original settlers were Jews, many of whom were fleeing the Spanish Inquisition. They would go on to form Mickve Israel, one of the oldest congregations in America. Today its pulpit is held by Rabbi Robert Haas. Additionally, he's a tour guide and interfaith bridge builder who also likes to moonlight as a stand up comedian.  

Rabbi Albert Gabbai used to dream of visiting Philadelphia when he was a kid growing up in Cairo, Egypt. After fleeing imprisonment and harassment in the country of his birth, he would eventually make it to the United States and to the pulpit of Philly's Synagogue of the American Revolution. Gabbai talks about his life, his congregation and the importance of tradition in this episode of American Rabbi Project.