A Fifteen-Year Dream Has Come True

I have always been the type of person who knows what she wants. For fifteen years, I was sure I wanted to be a rabbi. That dream was finally realized this past Sunday, May 3rd, when I received s’mikha (ordination) from Hebrew Union College.

Receiving s’mikha, or being ordained, comes after five years of study in seminary, after receiving a bachelor’s degree. My first year of rabbinical school consisted of living in Israel and learning about Israel’s history, politics, Judaism in the diaspora, and the history of Zionism. In the years that followed, I studied Jewish text, education, and spiritual care/counseling, while serving in internships as an educator, chaplain, and rabbinic intern. This past September, I was fortunate to join Temple Shaaray Tefila as an intern, and I am thrilled to now remain here full-time as Assistant Rabbi.

The ordination itself is seen as a transmission of authority that comes from these five years of study. However, I see ordination as not only a transmission of authority to be able to teach or officiate life cycle events, but as a transmission of responsibility to the Jewish people and to the spirit of the traditions that we have carried for generations. I see my role as rabbi as helping cultivate sacred community, inspiring others to find ways to connect to our tradition, and to collaborate in making meaning and finding purpose in our lives.

I was so lucky to have so many people, including friends, family, and members of TST come to witness my ordination in the city. During the ceremony, a rabbi chosen by the College “lays hands” on each of the ordinands’ heads while reciting the Priestly Benediction. This act originates from biblical times, when Moses ordained Joshua as his successor in leading the People of Israel. We ascend the bimah for this act as students and descend the bimah as rabbis.

At this time of year, we are in the forty-nine-day spiritual journey called the omer, a symbolic period between the time the Israelites were freed from Egypt and their receiving of the Torah. My ordination day fell on the thirty-first day of the omer, a day representing compassion, humility, and harmony. These are the qualities I strive to emulate in my work.

I want to extend my deepest gratitude for your support and for sharing in this joy with me during this very special time. I am looking forward to serving this beautiful community as rabbi alongside Cantor Szterenberg and Rabbi Boxman.

Here’s to many more Shabbatot spent together in harmony and joy!

Wishing you blessings from my family to yours this Shabbat,
Rabbi Shlobin

The moment of receiving s’mikha, May 3, 2026