Shalom!

I am a Canadian born Rabbi,
with over 20 years of experience in Jewish education and congregational leadership in Canada, the U.S. and South Africa.

More importantly, I am a human being – doing my best to live a life of meaning. I have spent my rabbinate sharing my journey authentically with others, helping to connect the teachings, traditions and values of Judaism to the sacred and messy moments of our lives.

 

“The rabbi must have words when there are no words,

in the moment when the siren still rings in your ear,

or when standing at the lip of a grave,

or as the newborn baby screams his way into the world,

or, speaking of the world,

when our world all comes crashing down,

and all that’s left are the wounds.

There needs to be words,

not to heal but to name the pain

which in turn breaks the silence,

unleashing a floodgate.

So when we sit, knees on the floor,

palms open to the heavens,

we wait for words that are supposed to open a door,

letting us grieve, rage, rejoice, remember.

But the rabbi is oh so human,

just as broken and betrayed as the rest of us.

In her words, these words we all know,

are just trying their best to hold you in her arms,

to quiet your breath, and tell you two truths.

Nothing will be okay,

and you will not have to do this alone.”

     -Miriam Turlinchamp

LET'S KEEP IN TOUCH

I look forward to connecting online or in person.

Sacred Moments

Looking for a rabbi to facilitate your upcoming lifecycle event? Whether you’re coming to Cape Town for a wedding, B-Mitvah, Bris, Baby Naming, Funeral, Consecration or Memorial, it would be my honor to guide you and your loved ones though the sacred and meaningful Jewish traditions.

Sacred Writings

I access and experience Judaism most profoundly through music and prayer, through engaging in acts of repair and social justice, as well as through learning and teaching Torah, and reflecting on life and spirituality through sacred writings.

Testimonials

Thank you for being a formidable force both in the shul and the process of my conversion. You have an innate ability to both strength and gentleness, both discipline and kindness, all the while ensuring growth on our path toward Hashem – in other words, a true leader.

Thank you for helping me with Kaddish for my mom. I know how proud she would have been of me and how much this means to my family

Despite the challenges of COVID-19, you successfully moved the shul from a physical to an online community, ensuring that the education, spirituality and care that make our shul outstanding, continued right through the year

Thank you so so so much for all of your time, teaching and support as you’ve sponsored me through my Jewish journey

Thank you for your mentorship, guidance, teachings, your welcoming presence, and much more!

I couldn’t imagine someone I’d trust more with the formal Jewish education of my children

Rabbi Emma, you have been a steadying and deeply positive force for our community

Thank you for your kindness, wisdom and patience

We love your soul and passion!

Returning to Canada, May 2025!
I am so excited to be returning to Canada to take up the role of Rabbi and Spiritual Leader at Am Shalom Congregation in Barrie, Ontario! Additionally, I will be available for lifecycle officiation and teaching opportunities throughout Ontario, and will be building toward a focus in accompanying those who are navigating end-of-life and their loved onesCloseup Photo of Person Wearing White-and-red Maple Leaf-printed Lace-up Sneakers.
If you would like to learn more about the next chapter of my career, or get in touch about a lifecycle event or teaching opportunity beginning in May 2025, please contact me here.
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