By Malka Cramer, other
On August 17, Tacoma’s Temple Beth El opened its doors to Rabbi Elizabeth Wood as its new director of education and cantorial soloist with an inauguration that included her leading the congregation for Shabbat services.
“Her musical abilities are outstanding and she has a passion for Jewish education,” said Beth El’s senior rabbi, Bruce Kadden.
Originally from West Lafayette, Ind., Rabbi Wood long knew she was destined to become a spiritual leader. At the age of 15, on a confirmation trip to the college where she would later be ordained, Wood was drawn to the prospect of becoming a rabbi, particularly by the rabbinical students she met.
“They were fun, young, and inspired people,” Rabbi Wood said, “They were people who loved Judaism. It was inspiring.”
Wood grew up in a strong Reform home, celebrating all the major holidays and keeping Shabbat. Both parents have been very active in their Jewish community most of her life. Her mother first served as president of their congregation in Indiana 15 years ago and her father followed — he is the synagogue’s current president.
“My family really helped infuse my Jewish identity,” Wood said.
In 2004, she obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Jewish studies and political Science from Indiana University in Bloomington and received the Indiana University Piser Prize in Jewish Studies for most outstanding graduating senior.
Wood was ordained in June at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati, Ohio. As a rabbinic student she served congregations in Ohio, Kentucky and Michigan. She also worked at the Union for Reform Judaism’s Goldman Union Camp Institute in Zionsville, Ind. where she was on staff for six years, first as a counselor for youth and then later as unit head.
“I realized I could be who I was, be fun and young, and still be a rabbi,” Wood said. “It was a combination of how I grew up and who I was exposed to. It was a calling.”
One aspect of that calling is Wood’s love of music. Her musical experience includes serving as a rabbinic intern for the URJ’s Mifgash Musicale Conference in Cincinnati and as vocalist for “Friday Night Live” Shabbat services.
“Jewish music really transcends who we are as a community.” Wood said. “It’s sacred. It’s not only important to who we are, and our heritage, but to our spirituality as well.”
Through the placement office of the Central Conference of American Rabbis, Wood came across Temple Beth El. The synagogue, located in Tacoma, seemed to be a place where she could exercise both her musical background and her enthusiasm for education.
“Both the cantorial soloist aspect and the educational aspect was very appealing to me. Coming out of rabbinical school I really wanted the perfect fit and Beth El was it.” she said.
Lisa Sobel, Temple Beth El’s president, wrote in an e-mail that she was thrilled to have Wood join the congregation.
“Rabbi Wood is a wonderful addition to our congregation this year,” Sobel wrote. “We have hired her as our religious [education] director/cantorial soloist to bring a continuity between the two positions. Her love of music and commitment to Jewish education will definitely enhance our community as she integrates her ideas with our congregational vision and goals.”
Sobel added that Wood’s position as a rabbi means she can take over any duties in Rabbi Kadden’s absence or be available for any other sort of rabbinical function.
As the religious education director at Beth El, Wood is in charge of family education, Sunday school, and Hebrew school. In addition, as a soloist, Wood is in charge of the music of the synagogue.
“I really liked that [Beth El] had a holistic way of showing what a rabbi could be,” Wood said.