Rabbi Barbara Aiello on Technology, Diversity and Inclusion in Jewish Life

Part of a series of interviews and articles with Pluralistic Rabbinical Seminary educators

In this modern age, when technological advances contribute to a movement toward Jewish diversity and inclusion, it is a wonderful time to be Jewish. 

I believe that the future of Judaism is making strong global connections that unite Jews of all backgrounds worldwide. Denominational differences are becoming less important as more and more Jews acknowledge that “labels are for the jelly jars, not the Jews!”  

PRS expands the opportunities for rabbinic study and as a result offers the Jewish world a cadre of rabbis whose unique skills and perspective will enrich Judaism for decades to come.

It is my hope that the PRS students that I am privileged to serve feel strongly that Judaism is at a critical crossroads, but with creativity, discipline and perseverance, new ideas will take hold that can revitalize our Jewish traditions and make them relevant to the modern world.

I look forward to teaching students who want to learn ways to break out of existing synagogue models and, while respecting and incorporating many of our religious traditions, extending Jewish belief and practice in brand new ways. 

Rabbi Barbara Aiello is a pulpit rabbi with sixteen years of congregational experience, currently serving as rabbi of Sinagoga Ner Tamid del Sud. She was the first and only woman rabbi in Italy and the first and only non-orthodox rabbi.

Rabbi Barbara teaches Practical Rabbinics at Pluralistic Rabbinical Seminary.