Rabbi Gail Swedroe, Associate Rabbi
I am honored to be a part of the CAA community, 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.
I look forward to learning and co-creating community together.
To contact Rabbi Swedroe:
gail.swedroe@caa-austin.org
512-735-8404