KENNENLERNEN

Rabbi Rory Katz

Before I studied Jewish texts, I studied scripts. Yes, I was a theater kid. I read plays and asked: what is animating the voices in this text? What are the conflicts and the emotional valences that motivate the text? Why should this text matter to people today? What would it take to make this text come alive today? I bring these same questions to Jewish text study because I believe that chevruta, like theater, is about making words come alive.

My interests are broad, but in all subjects, I tend to take a similar approach. I like to dive deeply into the layers of meanings in words, rituals, and stories. I look through the layers of connections across Jewish, interfaith, and secular sources. In everything, I try to understand the significance for the author, for Jews across time, and for us today.

I am currently an independent rabbi based in Berkeley, California. I was ordained as a rabbi from the Jewish Theological Seminary in 2019 where I also received a Certificate in Pastoral Care. I also hold a BA from Vassar College where I studied Philosophy, particularly Plato and feminist theory. I previously served as the rabbi of Chevrei Tzedek Congregation. I like to look for meaning while walking my dog Arlene, practicing jiu jitsu, and doing dishes in my dishwasher-less apartment.