Mara Nathan
This interview is with Rabbi Mara Nathan, leader of the Reform synagogue Temple Beth-El in San Antonio. Mara tells the stories of her congregation’s history and of the arrival and growth of Jewish communities in Texas. She talks about her experience managing community engagement during the pandemic and moving into a hybrid worship model as it becomes safe to do so. She also describes her experience working from home and interacting with her family in new ways, both heartening and frustrating.
Marie Betcher
This interview is with Rabbi-Cantor Marie Betcher, a female rabbi in Austin, Texas. Rabbi Betcher discusses her upbringing, growing up in Brooklyn, NY in an Italian family. She shares her multicultural background and the migration story of her family. She also discusses the gender dynamics she experiences as a female rabbi. In this interview, we hear her account of life in the pandemic and her involvement in the community. She currently serves as a chaplain with the Austin Police Department.
Neil Blumofe
This interview is with Rabbi Neil Blumofe, leader of the Agudas Achim congregation at the Dell Jewish Community Center. Rabbi Blumofe speaks about what the future may look like for congregations that want to maintain the benefits of online worship while eventually returning to traditional services. He considers the challenge of balancing a plurality of needs and perspectives in a community of diverse voices.