A spiritual Bar Mitzvah
Reaching thirteen years since my ordination
The late Nikola David, Alexander Nachama, and Isidoro Abramowicz
Thirteen years ago today, on 10 April, I stood with my colleagues to begin a journey that has defined my life in ways I could never have fully imagined. This milestone feels particularly poignant because, in our tradition, the number thirteen represents a transition into a new stage of responsibility and maturity.
Reaching thirteen years since my Smicha (Ordination) feels like a spiritual Bar Mitzvah. It raises the playful question: does this mean I am now finally an "adult" Rabbi? Perhaps it suggests that the initial years of learning and discovery have matured into a deeper, more settled understanding of what it means to serve a community. While the learning never truly ends, there is a distinct sense of pride in having reached this stage of my vocation.
The ceremony remains vivid in my memory. I feel a deep sense of gratitude for those who guided me at the start:
Rabbi Prof. Dr. Walter Jacobs: I remain deeply honoured to have been ordained by him. His legacy continues to influence my work every day.
Rabbi Gesa Ederberg: I am thankful for her presence and for the way she presented me to the community.
My Cohort: Sharing that day with Alexander Nachama, Isidoro Abramowicz, and the late Nikola David was a gift. We started our paths together, and I carry those shared memories with me.
My husband and best friend Chayim Schell: no words can describe how grateful I am for his support and love.
My path has taken us across various borders and through many different communities since that day. I have travelled quite a distance, both physically and spiritually, yet the core of my commitment remains unchanged. Choosing this path was one of the most significant decisions of my life, and I look back on it with a sense of quiet joy and optimism.
The Eternal has a way of leading us exactly where we need to be. I am grateful for every person I have met, every lesson I have learned, and every challenge that has helped me grow. Here is to the next thirteen years of service, community, and shared growth.
