Lisa is excited to work as one of the Mishpacha Coordinators for Congregation Or Ami this year. Lisa grew up in Miami, Florida and earned her BA in Political Science and Jewish and Near Eastern Studies from Washington University in St. Louis. She recently completed her third year of rabbinical school at Hebrew Union College and is currently in pursuit of her Masters in Jewish Education. She will be ordained as a rabbi in May 2014. She also received her certificate from the School of Jewish Nonprofit Management (formerly School of Jewish Communal Service) at Hebrew Union College where she gained practical skills in organizational development and fundraising.

Community has always been a pivotal part of Lisa's Jewish experience. Attending Jewish day school, participating in youth group and Jewish summer camp as a teenager, living in Israel, and engaging in global service learning opportunities with American Jewish World Service, have all been formative experiences in her Jewish journey. Her love and commitment to Judaism was inculcated at an early age in her home through the celebration of Shabbat and other holidays, and through the relationships she built in her synagogue life. She cannot wait to be a part of this active and inviting community that is committed to supporting one another.

When asked what she is most looking forward to about working at Congregation Or Ami, Lisa replied, "I am inspired by the genuine sense of community at this synagogue. Both the rabbis and the congregants demonstrate a sincere sense of compassion and care for one another. This community lives out its Jewish values by being there for one another during our most hopeful and darkest moments. I look forward to experiencing this deep sense of community and enriching our understanding of connectedness through the study and action of our tradition."

Lisa can be reached via email at mishpacha@orami.org.