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My journey back to Judaism:
I was born into a Jewish home and attended synagogue and Hebrew school. Although there were positive aspects to my Jewish upbringing (such as learning to read Hebrew, and a connection with tradition and family), ultimately something was missing for me. As a child, I experienced joy and lightness in connecting to the Divine through song and prayer. However, when I was old enough to join the adults in the main sanctuary, I found that the lightness, juiciness and joy were missing. It was difficult for me to connect to the presence of God there and I mistakenly came to the conclusion that Judaism must not contain the spiritual depth that I needed. I began to seek elsewhere. I read about and experienced other spiritual traditions, including taking a trip to India, but although I found a connection to God through singing and chanting, I never felt truly at home in other faiths. I resigned myself to not having the spiritual connection I longed for in my own faith. One day while in the process of studying world religions, I was re-introduced to Judaism and found that it actually contained exactly what I was looking for: love, light, joy, connection to God and the spiritual realms, and a grounded tradition and lineage to hold onto. I was moved to tears and began an in depth exploration into Judaism. Over time, my life has been increasingly enriched by Jewish rituals, prayers, songs, cycles of time and teachings. I eventually felt called to help others who might also want to connect to the rich and enlivening Jewish spirituality that I had been blessed to reconnect with. |
My education, training and experience:
In 2013, I was ordained as a Rabbinic Pastor through Aleph: Alliance for Jewish Renewal after 6 years of study and experience which included leading services, officiating life cycle ceremonies, serving as a chaplain and offering Torah study classes. My education also included Jewish History, Philosophy, Theology, Chassidic thought and Kabbalah. Rabbinic Pastors are Jewish clergy who are specialists in the pastoral dimension of rabbinic work. We often go by the title "Reb", which in Eastern European Jewish tradition signified a teacher or respected person in the community. My pastoral training includes 1600 hours of Clinical Pastoral Education through ACPE (Association of Clinical Pastoral Education) as well as Jewish Pastoral Counseling classes through Aleph. I am a member of the Rabbinic Pastors Association, and served on the board as Secretary from January of 2016 to January of 2018. I was delighted to serve as Rabbinic Pastor at Congregation Nevei Kodesh in Boulder, CO from September 2011 to October 2014. My position included offering pastoral care to congregants, leading healing circles, shiva minyanim, memorial services and more. Over the past 15 years, I have officiated over 80 weddings, and many funerals and baby namings. I also have over 28 years of experience in the healing professions. My education and study as a healer includes 500 hours of Energy Work practitioner's trainings through Body Harmony and Quantum Touch, 100 hours of Breathwork training through L.R.T., 500 hours and certification in Hypnotherapy and 500 hours and certification in Spiritual Counseling through the MultiPath Center. In addition, I enjoy making art, and I have exhibited in New York City, Queens and Long Island. Please join my mailing list or be in touch by email or telephone. I look forward to hearing from you! Rav Brachot (many blessings), Reb Patrice |