Position: Rabbi

I was ordained by AJRCA in 2007. Since then, I have been working as the community rabbi in Desert Hot Springs, CA, doing monthly Shabbat services as well as holiday observances. In addition to this, I am the Director of Placement and Internships at AJRCA. Lastly, as a rabbi in Los Angeles, I train bar/bat mitzvah students, and I officiate at all life cycle events.

Specializations

• Baby Naming Ceremonies
• Bar/Bat Mitzvah Tutoring
• Dedications & New Home Blessings
• Funerals, Memorial Services & Unveilings
• Teaching/Education
• Weddings

 

Thesis Title
TO EVERYTHING THERE IS A SEASON:
Yizkor as A Path to Healing throughout The Year (2007)

Abstract:
Life is both linear and cyclical.  As we move linearly from birth to death, we cycle through certain events over and over again. Yizkor is one of those events which comes at specific times and seasons throughout the year. At Yizkor, we are not only allowed, but encouraged, to let the memories of our departed family and friends wash over us and through us. These memories reawaken in us the full spectrum of emotions we experienced when our loved ones were still alive: joy and sadness; peace and rage; love and disappointment. All of it surges to the surface each time we renew our contact with the deceased at each Yizkor service. And with each service, we are provided two incredibly valuable opportunities: coupled with the lessons of nature and the Jewish holiday surrounding each Yizkor service, we are provided the opening in which we may continue or begin anew our relationships with our deceased loved ones; and we are given an opportunity to heal.

Email: faithtessler@yahoo.com