OFF THE GRID JUDAISM

Judaism is a way of life for an estimated 2.5% of the world's population. Some of us are born of Jewish parents and some are not -- but every one of us deliberately choosing to embrace their Judaism and live along Jewish rhythms, working and celebrating with others to create and nurture Jewish community, is a Jew by choice -- regardless of the circumstances of their birth.
People may be unaffiliated by choice -- perhaps because they haven't yet found a synagogue that's a good "fit" for them -- or by default, because they either can't afford synagogue dues or don't feel comfortable at a synagogue. Whatever the reasons, there are lots of unaffiliated Jews who nevertheless want to "DO" Jewish in some way.
Cost, geography, and/or discomfort in a traditional Jewish communal setting should not be barriers to living Jewishly.
I offer text study, life-cycle celebrations and DIY, hands-on Jewish experiences for anyone who wants to "DO" Jewish. I especially make myself available to unaffiliated Jews. (I will consider working with a synagogue-affiliated family on a case-by-case basis. Let's talk about it!)
OFF THE GRID JUDAISM does not have to mean NO Judaism! It can mean a very personal, intimate and thoughtful approach to an aspect of Jewish life you want to incorporate into your life. Whether it's a life-cycle event (wedding, baby-naming, B'nei Mitzvah or funeral), or an introduction to Jewish thought and belief through text study or creating art or music) being unaffiliated gives us the freedom to create a Judaism that is highly personal, meaningful and relevant to the lives we live in the world today.
I am a certified Wedding Officiant (through the Universal Life Church). I can also function as a cantorial soloist, songleader, arts and crafts teacher and Jewish educator. I lean heavily towards progressive, even radical, understandings of Torah and what it means to be a family. I welcome interfaith families wanting to explore their Jewish pieces more deeply. I also welcome LGBTQ families and individuals wanting to incorporate Judaism into their lives without the judgments and hurdles they may have found elsewhere.
Though Jews are smaller in number, it's a big Jewish universe and there's room for everyone!
People may be unaffiliated by choice -- perhaps because they haven't yet found a synagogue that's a good "fit" for them -- or by default, because they either can't afford synagogue dues or don't feel comfortable at a synagogue. Whatever the reasons, there are lots of unaffiliated Jews who nevertheless want to "DO" Jewish in some way.
Cost, geography, and/or discomfort in a traditional Jewish communal setting should not be barriers to living Jewishly.
I offer text study, life-cycle celebrations and DIY, hands-on Jewish experiences for anyone who wants to "DO" Jewish. I especially make myself available to unaffiliated Jews. (I will consider working with a synagogue-affiliated family on a case-by-case basis. Let's talk about it!)
OFF THE GRID JUDAISM does not have to mean NO Judaism! It can mean a very personal, intimate and thoughtful approach to an aspect of Jewish life you want to incorporate into your life. Whether it's a life-cycle event (wedding, baby-naming, B'nei Mitzvah or funeral), or an introduction to Jewish thought and belief through text study or creating art or music) being unaffiliated gives us the freedom to create a Judaism that is highly personal, meaningful and relevant to the lives we live in the world today.
I am a certified Wedding Officiant (through the Universal Life Church). I can also function as a cantorial soloist, songleader, arts and crafts teacher and Jewish educator. I lean heavily towards progressive, even radical, understandings of Torah and what it means to be a family. I welcome interfaith families wanting to explore their Jewish pieces more deeply. I also welcome LGBTQ families and individuals wanting to incorporate Judaism into their lives without the judgments and hurdles they may have found elsewhere.
Though Jews are smaller in number, it's a big Jewish universe and there's room for everyone!

To learn more about doing Jewish,
Get in touch with me and let's chat.
I'm happy to meet you in Portland for a cup of coffee and tell you more about all the different ways Jews celebrate and learn and grow.
CLICK HERE TO CONTACT ME.
If you're out of town, I am happy to chat via FaceTime or Skype.
I offer distance learning and will also travel to facilitate life-cycle events.
I look forward to meeting you and exploring what's possible.
Get in touch with me and let's chat.
I'm happy to meet you in Portland for a cup of coffee and tell you more about all the different ways Jews celebrate and learn and grow.
CLICK HERE TO CONTACT ME.
If you're out of town, I am happy to chat via FaceTime or Skype.
I offer distance learning and will also travel to facilitate life-cycle events.
I look forward to meeting you and exploring what's possible.
Some cool stuff to check out on the web:
Women Cantors' Network - So proud to be a member of this org!
Alvarez Guitars - the only brand I play. Because a great guitar doesn't have to cost a fortune.
Chrome Industries: where I get those cool shoes you keep asking me about.
CDBaby - the largest online source for independent music!
Jewish Rock Radio -- the latest in contemporary Jewish music, online all the time!
Forward Magazine: The Soundtrack of Our Spirit (2015)
Hard Times Project - a 2009 interview from Oregon Public Broadcasting's award-winning radio project.
Torah Study is not a spectator sport! Try these sites for some insights:
Sefaria - All Jewish text, all the time. Amazing FREE resource (though they do welcome donations)!
Learn at JTS - Torah commentary and more
URJ Torah commentary
The Comic Torah - for mature readers (18+) only
Migdalor Guy's Random Musings - Personal, human-scale Torah commentary from a very smart guy
Women Cantors' Network - So proud to be a member of this org!
Alvarez Guitars - the only brand I play. Because a great guitar doesn't have to cost a fortune.
Chrome Industries: where I get those cool shoes you keep asking me about.
CDBaby - the largest online source for independent music!
Jewish Rock Radio -- the latest in contemporary Jewish music, online all the time!
Forward Magazine: The Soundtrack of Our Spirit (2015)
Hard Times Project - a 2009 interview from Oregon Public Broadcasting's award-winning radio project.
Torah Study is not a spectator sport! Try these sites for some insights:
Sefaria - All Jewish text, all the time. Amazing FREE resource (though they do welcome donations)!
Learn at JTS - Torah commentary and more
URJ Torah commentary
The Comic Torah - for mature readers (18+) only
Migdalor Guy's Random Musings - Personal, human-scale Torah commentary from a very smart guy