Rabbi Salem Pearce, Director of Spirituality
The Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life (ISJL) is thrilled to welcome Rabbi Salem Pearce as our new Director of Spirituality.
Ordained in 2018 by Hebrew College, Rabbi Pearce’s career has exemplified values of justice, compassion, and service to all. Most recently serving as the Executive Director of Carolina Jews for Justice, Rabbi Pearce has also worked for T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights, and several synagogues and community organizations. Her internships while a rabbinical student included working for the Synagogue Council of Massachusetts, and spending a summer as the ISJL’s Rabbinical Intern in 2017. Rabbi Pearce originally hails from Houston. Personally and professionally, she has strong ties to the southern region. "I am thrilled to be (re)joining the staff of ISJL and contributing to its vital work,” says Rabbi Pearce. “Over the past three years in North Carolina, in addition to my social justice work it's been my privilege to contribute to congregational life in Durham and to lead lifecycle events for Jews across the state. And as a born-Texan, I am excited to continue supporting Jewish life in communities all over the South." The Spirituality division of the ISJL (formerly known as the Rabbinical Services department) specifically serves communities too small to have their own local full-time Jewish clergyperson. From community visits to officiation at lifecycle events, remote counseling, weekly Taste of Torah emails, and more, the ISJL’s Spirituality team is committed to supporting, connecting, and celebrating Jewish life in even the smallest of communities. Continuing the proud tradition of her predecessors, Rabbi Pearce’s leadership will ensure that southern Jewish communities always have someone to answer their call. |