About

I am an educator, researcher and writer, an anthropologist and a Jewish communal professional. I’ve been involved in Jewish organizations for nearly 40 years, as a facilitator, program director, funder, fundraiser, board member, and evaluator. Most recently I served as Education Program Manager and Fellowship Director at Shomer Collective. Both my academic and communal work explore the diverse ways that we find meaning and relevance in Jewish tradition and ritual, particularly at times of illness and loss. I teach and facilitate programs on health and illness, end-of-life planning and living with grief, spiritual practice, and modern interpretations of Jewish texts and traditions.

I hold a PhD in Sociocultural and Medical Anthropology and a Master’s in Public Health, both from the University of Arizona. I also completed a certificate in Congregational Health Ministry at Andover Newton Theological School, and am certified by Respecting Choices® as an Advance Care Planning Facilitator and Instructor. I’ve studied with the Institute for Jewish Spirituality, Or Halev, Pardes, and Kirva, and participated in two Fellowships with M²: The Institute for Experiential Jewish Education. I currently serve on the Board of Directors of the Tucson Jewish Museum & Holocaust Center, and am a member of the Advisory Committee of the Museum’s Gumbiner Community Action Project.

My writings have been published in both academic and public outlets, including, most recently, in Lilith Magazine, and in the New York Times “Tiny Love Stories” column. I also co-edited a special issue on Anthropology and Grief, in the journal Death Studies.