Early on in my career, I packed my bags and moved to West Virginia to work as a journalist. That’s where I first met Rabbi Victor Urecki, rabbi at B’nai Jacob Synagogue.

I immediately appreciated who he was within the walls of the synagogue, but outside — Rabbi Urecki engaged with the community, often in interfaith conversations, consistently as a positive presence for West Virginians.

In this episode, we talk about belonging, religion as a tool to bring people together, and how Rabbi Urecki’s meeting the moment with new traditions.

Please support this podcast! Tell a friend, rate/review the show, and visit shofarsogoodpodcast.com/support to make a financial contribution to the production of Season 2.

Producer: Kate Mishkin

Production Assistant: Jack McDonald

Music: Nan Schwartz

Show Art: Laura Mishkin

Made with support from the Jewish Writers’ Initiative Digital Storytellers Lab and the Maimonides Fund.