Rabba Melissa Scholten-Gutierrez
What led to your decision to become a rabbi?
In the famous words of Moana "the [rabbinate] chose me!" I deeply believe that Jewish texts and tradition are for everyone, that every Jewish person needs to be able to find themselves in our tradition, and that Jewish communal organizations need to set the example. The best way to be able to do that is with the knowledge of the actual Torah and of pastoral Torah, which was available to me at Maharat.
What do you love most about your work?
What I love most about my work is doing exactly what I said I would do every day for four years at Maharat - making Judaim more accessible through the lens of a Jewish communal institution. I get to connect so many families to a joyful Jewish experience through my official work at Federation that sometimes it feels unreal. And on the side, I have individuals who have chosen me as their rabbi, because of how I lead, teach, and answer their questions - which I take as the highest honor. I am absolutely living my dream.
