Rabbi Malka Packer
Rabbi Educator • She/Her
Dear Beloved CBH Family,
It is with immense gratitude and excitement that I write to you as the new Rabbi Educator for the Congregation Bet Haverim Community School (CBHCS).
When I walked through the doors of CBH for my first Shabbat in 2015, I found more than a synagogue. I found my spiritual home. The warmth of the greeters, the soulful music, and the love and joy in the room filled my heart.
As a queer Reconstructionist rabbi and mama to two delightful humans, I've found at CBH a place where my family and I are known, celebrated, and inspired. This is where my children were welcomed into community, where the Hesed Team nourished our growing family with meals and visits after they were born, where we've marked holidays and life's sacred moments together, and where my kids have always felt free to dance around the sanctuary while I've led services. Through it all, I've been continually inspired by a congregation that lives its values, grounded in Reconstructionist Judaism, committed to justice, uplifted by the healing power of music, and dedicated to creating a Jewish community where people can bring their whole selves.
My years at CBH have reaffirmed what I have learned throughout my twenty-six years as a rabbi and educator: meaningful Jewish learning begins with belonging. When people feel seen, known, and valued, they are free to ask questions, build relationships, discover the wisdom of our tradition, and create Jewish lives filled with purpose and joy.
Thank you for entrusting me with this sacred work. It is a profound privilege to serve the congregation that has given so much to my family and to me.
As Rabbi Educator, I will lead our Community School with the hope of creating experiences that are creative, accessible, joyful, and deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, where every child, every family, and every learner feels connected to Jewish life exactly as they are.
I also want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Cantor Jenn for her dedicated leadership of our Community School. I am especially thankful for the care, generosity, and thoughtfulness she has brought to this handoff and for all she has done to ensure a smooth transition. It is a gift to build upon the strong foundation she has created.
Thank you for welcoming me into this role. I am humbled by your trust and filled with hope for all that we will create together.
Hineini. Here I am.
בְּרוּכָה שְׁכִינָה, רוּחַ הָעוֹלָם, שֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ, וְקִיְּמָתָנוּ, וְהִגִּיעָתָנוּ לַזְּמַן הַזֶּה.
Bruchah Shekhinah, Ruach ha'olam, shehecheyanu, v'kiy'matanu, v'higiatanu laz'man hazeh.
Blessed is the Divine Presence, the Spirit of the universe, who has given us life, sustained us, and brought us to this moment.
May this new chapter bring blessing to our community. May we continue to learn with curiosity, celebrate with joy, care for one another with compassion, and help build a Jewish community where every person knows they belong.
With gratitude,
Rabbi Malka Packer