Rabbi Eliana Fischel

What do people call me? Rabbi Fischel

Congregation: Washington Hebrew Congregation

Denomination: Reform

Where was I ordained? Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion

Where am I located? 3935 Macomb St NW, Washington, DC 20016

What do I love most about my work? I love being adjacent to people’s lives. I love seeing a life and a family grow: connecting at different moments, celebrating when they are celebrating, and providing comfort when it is needed. I also love that every day is different. One minute, I can be sitting on the floor telling a story to the 3s class and the next be meeting with an engaged couple. It is all just fun.

How is Judaism valuable in my life? Judaism provides a language of meaning that I find helpful in my own life, as well as when I am assisting others. Our lives are innately meaningful, yet often we are too busy or too consumed to articulate that meaning. Judaism gives us the language and implores us to see and understanding the value of our lives.