Rabbi Elisheva Salamo feels extremely blessed to be part of YLJC’s engaged community. With a background in biology and experience within the Jewish community as a teacher, programme developer, and spiritual counsellor, she is excited to work with members of the community to create meaningful ritual, restorative prayer services, hands-on education opportunities, and far-reaching Tikkun Olam (repair of the world – social action).
Born in California, she held posts at congregations in the United States, South Africa and Switzerland before coming to York. One of her favourite activities as a rabbi is. is creative text study, especially with teens.. One of her best rabbinic moments was wrapping a baby at his naming ceremony in a prayer shawl she had embroidered for his father’s Bar Mitzvah.
When not serving the congregation, Rabbi Elisheva spends her time contemplating the philosophy of John Ruskin, visiting historic sites, recreating 19th century patterns in thread and fabric, bringing astounding taste combinations to her dinner table(attested to by congregants), and enjoying her companion animals. She is delighted to be close to her daughter, who is currently studying International Relations in Scotland.
To read Rabbi Elisheva’s musings on text, life and being the first rabbi in York for over 700 years, go to her blog: click here