Rabbi Sherre Hirsch has always been eager to push boundaries. As a woman, getting the gig as Rabbi at one of Los Angeles’ biggest Conservative synagogues was not guaranteed. When she got there, the podium she was meant to stand behind was not built for her… figuratively and literally. At 5’2, she had to stand on a box to see over top.

She was never going to acquiesce to what a Rabbi “should” look like. She likes yoga, surfing, the outdoors. She shuns pantyhose.

And most importantly, she believes in all people finding their own connection with religion and spirituality.

Many parts of today’s episode may surprise you – Including the Rabbi’s admission that even her faith is shakable – and what we all can do to stay aligned with our highest sense of spirit and walk through life a little bit lighter.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:54] Jamie introduces Rabbi Sherre Hirsch.

[04:15] Sherre talks about her childhood interest in religion, pushing boundaries, & story of becoming a Rabbi. 

[09:09] Sherre recounts announcing her pregnancy to the congregation and the realization of the elements in Judaism she wanted to teach. 

[10:24] Sherre describes what it was like raising an autistic child. 

[15:16] Sherre begins to talk about how her family gained a fifth child in his teens.

[17:45] Sherre explains her heart-attack experience and all of the realizations that came during and after.

[21:14] Sherre talks about antisemitism and reckoning with hate in the world.

[22:05] Sherre describes her shakeable faith and challenging religion during hard times. 

[23:52] Sherre explains her personal rituals. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

[18:06] Sherre on the importance of feeling but also on taking action

[20:53] Sherre’s belief that we should all be engaging with those questions that are “beyond us” 

[22:17] Sherre’s perspective is that to stay grounded, believing in God isn’t necessary, 

but believing in something other and greater than yourself is.

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Make sure to follow Jamie @NYCfitfam on Instagram for news & updates, and visit our companion Instagram account @gratitudeology for a sneak peek into the personal moments discussed on the show.

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Thank you to Rabbi Sherre Hirsch for sharing your truth with us today. Follow Sherre on Instagram @rabbisherrehirsch.

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The Gratitudeology Podcast theme music is by HYLLS, performed by Nadia Ali @thenadiaali 

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Sherre’s Bio: 

Sherre is a nationally recognized inspirational speaker, collaborative leader, published author, and the first female rabbi of the largest Conservative congregation on the West Coast. She is committed to collaborating with others to have an impact on issues that challenge humanity. She solves problems by developing ambitious projects, working directly with CEOs and leadership, and raising and stewarding funding to yield social change.

Sherre’s relatable approach to communicating spirituality has been embraced by millions via her appearances on television, award-winning books, and in-print features. From the Today Show to Oprah to Vanity Fair, she is a recognized authority on modern wisdom.

She has spearheaded three programs from inception to worldwide recognition, Friday Night Live, HillelWell, and Maven.aju.edu, engaging people worldwide. Additionally, she has raised millions of dollars to improve the well-being of all individuals in her roles as Chief Innovation Officer of American Jewish University, Senior Rabbinic Scholar of Hillel International, Spirituality Consultant of Canyon Ranch Health Resorts, and Associate Rabbi of Sinai Temple.

Sherre serves on multiple boards and has been highly recognized for her contributions. In her spare time, she can be found surfing, practicing yoga, or investigating and embracing new technological advancements. She is married to Dr. Jeffrey Hirsch and resides in Los Angeles with their four children, foster son, and puppy.

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