Pop-Up Rabbi: Real Life Conversations with Rabbi Paskind

Rabbi Paskind welcomes her colleague Rabbi John Carrier, Senior Rabbi & Director of Jewish Education at the Maas Center for Jewish Journeys, about the deep value of engaging Jewish adults in continuing education.  They speak in-depth about the Miller Introduction to Judaism course, which Rabbi Paskind is about to begin teaching--registration is open!

The Jewish high holidays are a time of gathering and renewal. In this episode, Rabbi Paskind sits down with synagogue president and long time Ritual leader David Loewenberg to discuss what goes into crafting meaningful and uplifting high holiday services, how service leaders find their own meaning in prayer, and what are our favorite parts of Services!

Rabbi Paskind and colleagues are back for the conclusion of our series on conversion to Judaism.  They discuss the rabbinic approach to officiating at the Beit Din, or rabbinic court, and celebrating the completion of the conversion process.

Rabbi Paskind welcomes 2 colleagues to discuss the culmination rituals of the conversion process.  They do a "deep dive" (pun intended!) into the many uses of the mikveh, or ritual bath.  The conversation continues in Part 2.

Rabbi Paskind sits down with two conversion students who have journeyed through the conversion process and are now members of our local Jewish community. They share their personal experiences, the challenges and meaningful moments along the way, and what it was like to take the final steps toward formally becoming Jewish. Together, we explore the moment of conversion and what it means to begin a new chapter of Jewish life.

Rabbi Paskind speaks with a congregant who recently completed the conversion process about her journey to Judaism, what drew her to Congregation Beth El, and the experiences that led her to embrace Jewish life.

What does it mean to join the Jewish people?In this episode of Pop-Up Rabbi, Rabbi Paskind sits down with Mary Oster to explore her path toward conversion to Judaism. With warmth, honesty, and moments of laughter, their conversation opens a window into the questions, turning points, and lived experiences that shape the journey of choosing Judaism. Together, they reflect on how this decision can transform identity, deepen connection, and reshape everyday life in ways both expected and surprising.

What does it mean to join the Jewish people?

In this inaugural episode of POP UP RABBI, Rabbi Paskind explores the story of Judaism’s most iconic convert — the biblical Ruth — and opens a thoughtful conversation about the path to conversion today. Together, we’ll consider the many reasons people choose Judaism, the challenges and transformations that often accompany that journey, and the ways rabbis and communities can support those seeking to build a Jewish life.

Because Judaism isn’t only about personal belief or identity — it’s also about belonging to a community, a tradition, and a shared story.