Temple Beth Abraham welcomes first female rabbi

By Guest

Temple Beth Abraham of Canton proudly announces the appointment of Rabbi Navah L. Levine as the congregation’s new rabbi — and its first female rabbi — effective September 1.

Rabbi Navah L. Levine

“We feel very fortunate to welcome Rabbi Levine as our rabbi. Sometimes a relationship is ‘beshert’ — meant to be,” said Dr. Michael Bakerman, temple president. “During her Shabbat in residence, Rabbi Levine impressed us with her knowledge, her teaching ability, and her ability to inspire. She’s also been a pleasure to work with.”

Rabbi Levine received her rabbinic ordination and a master’s degree in Judaic studies from Hebrew College Rabbinical School in Newton. She has served as rabbi-educator at Temple Emeth in Chestnut Hill and as rabbi at Temple Beth El in Quincy. She served a rabbinic internship at Stanetsky Memorial Chapels in Brookline and was a fellow at the Center for Inter-Religious & Communal Leadership Education, a joint program of Hebrew College and the Andover Newton Theological School.

“I’m delighted to be joining Temple Beth Abraham,” said Rabbi Levine. “The congregation is warm, welcoming, and spirited,” she added. “I was especially impressed with the diversity — board members range from newer congregants of only four years to those who’ve been members for over 30 years. It’s a wonderful mix of fresh ideas, energy, and experience. And I’m excited to be a part of it.”

Rabbi Levine came to the rabbinate as a second career. A graduate of Yale University with a BA in economics, she spent 14 years as an investment consultant. She also served as a member of the board of directors of the nonprofit legal advocacy group GLAD, which brought the landmark case that legalized gay marriage in Massachusetts.

She has lived and studied in Israel, climbed a 20,000-foot peak in Nepal, and bicycled across the U.S. She has traveled extensively — from Laos to Thailand to New Zealand — and worked at the South Pole Antarctic Station.

One of Rabbi Levine’s first priorities will be to reach out to current members of the congregation and introduce herself and start to get to know them. She also wants to create a “vibrant and welcoming community, open to all to connect with their spiritual, educational and community needs.”

“Connections to Judaism are personal and we want to recognize that,” she said.

Now entering its 100^th year as a congregation, Temple Beth Abraham is delighted to invite the community to meet Rabbi Levine at a number of upcoming events, including a Shabbat Service and Oneg (dessert reception) on Friday, September 12, starting at 7 p.m.

Registration for Temple Beth Abraham Religious School is now open. Seats for High Holiday Services are also available.

Founded in 1914, Temple Beth Abraham has served Canton and its surrounding areas as a center of Jewish living and learning. For more information, contact the office at Temple Beth Abraham, 1301 Washington Street, Canton, at 781-828-5250, or visit www.templebethabraham.org.

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