I have been a rabbi for nearly 20 years with an accessible approach to community building with a focus on spiritual direction, justice advocacy, and authenticity. Passionate about living and promoting progressive Jewish and universal values, and civil and human rights. I believe that we have to approach our values, advocacy, and activism with mindful awareness to discern our best choices where the ends and the means align. When we bring a spiritual lens, we can see the interconnectedness of working on issues of racial equity, LGBT human rights, anti-semitism, gender equality, income disparity and civil rights for being of different abilities. Relationships are a cornerstone of my rabbinate. I also strive to build bridges between communities to foster understanding and allyship between people of different faiths, races, orientations, abilities, genders, and beliefs. Founding the non-profit SOJOURN (the Southern Jewish Network for gender and sexual diversity, serving as the chair of the Human Relations Commission for the city of Atlanta are ways that I am able to put these beliefs into practice.I embrace creativity in my work, mainly because I shun a cookie cutter approach to our religious and spiritual lives. A creative approach infuses my approach to envisioning Shabbat services, education of children and adults, writing and public speaking. When working on lifecycles, I balance tradition with the specific needs of each person and each situation. I particularly enjoy working with children, teens, and families.I have committed my rabbinate to lifelong learning. How can I encourage something without demonstrating my personal commitment? Thus, whether it is studying Jewish and sacred texts, innovation in faith communities, community organizing or training to become a spiritual direction, I am always learning and growing to better myself and bring what I learn to my community.