Meet an innoFaither is our series to introduce the inspiring optimists in the innoFaith world and what they’re working on and thinking about. We hope it helps you find and engage with each other across the network to advance faith-rooted social innovation and interfaith collaboration for social impact. Or just meet some cool people.
Meet Rabbi Esther Lederman, Director of Congregational Innovation & Leadership at the Union for Reform Judaism. A former congregational rabbi, Esther helps Jewish communities re-imagine their congregational life so they can adapt and thrive in an era of significant change and contribute to creating a better world.
What faith(s), if any, do you practice? Is your faith or practice bringing special inspiration or insight for you in this current moment?
I’m a proud Jew, ordained as a Reform rabbi. The concept I am thinking about this week, and finding inspiration in, is the concept of Minyan. At it’s core, it means that a Jew cannot live alone, isolated from the community. It’s so key to living a full and flourishing life to be in relationship with others, to belong to others.
Where do you live?
Arlington, VA – specifically Rosslyn.
What's your favorite pastime?
Many things! Reading, and more reading – novels, non-fiction, memoirs, the New Yorker; baking for my kids (chocolate chip cookies are my specialty), and talking long walks.
What are you working on currently?
Reimagining Jewish life in North America. Thinking about what kind of ancestors we want to be for the future. My job as the Director of Congregational Innovation & Leadership at the Union for Reform Judaism allows me to be in relationship with all types of Jewish leaders from our movement and think about how we create the right vehicles for Jewish life for everyone at their stage of life.
What question are you thinking about these days?
What new ways of gathering do we want to create? What is the potential social impact of a liberal, and progressive Reform Judaism on the greater world of North America? What’s the future I want to bet on for my kids? What do I need to say yes to and what do I need to say no to?
How can people find you?
I’m taking a social media break. Thanks for understanding!