Rabbi Gail Swedroe, Associate Rabbi
I am honored to have been a part of the CAA community since 2014, partnering with both youth and adults in finding ways to highlight the richness of Jewish tradition so that it speaks to the diversity of our human experiences, opening up the possibilities of what it means to live Jewishly today. Through these conversations with our texts and one another, we can form deep and powerful connections, highlighting Judaism’s teachings that we are part of something much greater than ourselves.
Having grown up in Silicon Valley with a large (and largely unaffiliated Jewish population), I have a deep appreciation for innovation and the power of lay leadership in creating strong communities where people take ownership over their Jewish identity and experiences. I am passionate about finding ways to make Judaism relevant and meaningful to our lives and in creating welcoming, participatory communities.
Prior to making Austin my home, I graduated from UC-Santa Barbara with a degree in Religious Studies and received rabbinic ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York with a concentration in Pastoral Care. Immediately following ordination, I served as the Assistant Director and Campus Rabbi at the Hillel at the University of Florida, working with lay leaders to bring their vision of Jewish life on campus to fruition.
In addition to my formal education, I have also had the opportunity to study at the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem as part of the Hillel Professionals Fellowship, with the Clergy Leadership Incubator as a Mentee, and in the Institute for Jewish Spirituality’s Clergy Leadership Program.
I feel grateful to make Austin and CAA my home, along with my husband and two children. I look forward to learning and co-creating community together.
To contact me: gail.swedroe@caa-austin.org
To make an appointment with me: admin@caa-austin.org; 512-735-8404