Rabbi Eliana Fischel

What people call you: Rabbi Fischel

Congregation: Washington Hebrew Congregation

Location: 3935 Macomb St NW, Washington, DC 20016

Denomination: Reform

Ordained from: Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion

What do you love most about your 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 your life? What led you to your decision to become a rabbi? 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.