About Jewish And...
Interpreting Jewish tradition through rationalist and mystical, reasonable and sensitive, egalitarian eyes - Rabbi Jonathan aims for an authentic Judaism infused with inclusion. Opening discussions of American Jewish existence - which is now interfaith or multi-faith, multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, pluralistic, LGBTQIA+ celebratory, and multi-generational. Every Jewish source - Torah, Midrash, Talmud, commentaries from every century, Kosher Culture, Israel, and more - can bring greater meaning to our vibrant Jewish lives. This is a place to be Jewish and everything else we are - Jewish and...
About Rabbi Jonathan Freirich
I believe Judaism should be welcoming, warm and fun. Every encounter is a chance to open a door and bring Jews and those who care about Jews into a world of greater meaning and connection. With a deep commitment to the dynamic and progressive history, culture, and religion of the Jewish people, I try to meet Jews where they are (whether that is on a hike, in a cafe, or the synagogue) and to partner and find access to Judaism's vibrant culture and ritual to co-create meaning and understanding together.
Originally from New York City, I received ordination from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in 1999. a BA in Philosophy from Middlebury College in 1992, and most recently and MPA from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Policy, of Syracuse University.
I lived and studied in Israel at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, the Conservative Yeshiva in Jerusalem, and WUJS in Arad, and volunteered at several kibbutzim, and at the Knesset. Since becoming a rabbi, I have worked with varied age groups and interests, including college students, unaffiliated Jewish 20- and 30-somethings, residents at a home for the aged, Jewish prisoners in a Nevada state prison, a small mountain resort congregation, a large Reform congregation in the dynamic South, the premier Jewish synagogue in Western New York, as Faith Coalition Organizer for VOICE Buffalo, and now as Executive Director and Founder of Open Door Judaism.
My family of origin is your typical complicated American family with lots of step-siblings and in-laws representing multiple religious and ethnic identities - what a blessing!
As an adult, I have had a wealth of diverse experiences. I fell in love with and then later married, Ginny Reel Freirich, a proud convert to Judaism and and a professional Jewish artist (see her work at ketubah-arts.com). We have a miraculous children, Jude and Sadie, with whom we learn to navigate through the complications of being empowered Jews in a non-Jewish world.