What people are saying about Thresholds and Rabbi Moritt and in the Press
Students:
“Initially, I had planned to study on my own; I didn’t think that I needed my love to take
the course with me. He was already a Jew … and he really wasn’t that interested
in repeating his Hebrew School experiences. Leana asked that we both meet with
her, however, before making any decisions. We went to meet
with the Leana the next day, and after 20 minutes of engaging conversation we
were both signing up to take the course. We had only one condition- Leana had
to be our teacher. From our first meeting with Leana, we were impressed with
her warmth, humor…and coolness. We had faith that we would learn from her and
have a great time in the process. Throughout the course, she made each session
interesting, engaging, thought-provoking, and fun. By the course’s end we were hosting most of the weekly sessions at
our own home. It became a part of our week that we looked forward to, it
strengthened our relationship, and it prompted us to explore our own spiritual
curiosities. We still miss our weekly sessions with Leana. I highly recommend
Leana’s class to anyone who is curious about Judaism – and I already have to
many of my friends! -S
When I first
began studying with Leana, I had a lot of questions and anxiety about Judaism.
Although it is my own religion, I never felt comfortable that I knew much about
it or how to demystify so many of the practices that I felt like I was supposed
to know. Her style of teaching made Judaism accessible, relaxed and approachable.
Instead of feeling like my religion was a part of me that I was supposed to,
and did not, understand, she made it feel like a journey that I could explore
as needed. Leana encouraged dialogue, debate and questions. She never made
anyone feel embarrassed for what they did or did not know and she
encouraged us to share our feelings, questions and experiences. I appreciate
Leana making my religion a comfortable part of my identity. –T
My husband
and I took Rabbi Leana Moritt’s Jewish immersion course prior to our wedding,
when I was seriously considering converting to Judaism. Leana offered the
perfect blend of Jewish law, history and spirituality. She educated us about
traditional and modern Jewish approaches through well-chosen primary and secondary
sources. Since “graduation” from Leana’s course over
six years ago, I am a strong, informed and active member of the Jewish
community, and we count among our good friends other members of the class. I
would highly recommend Leana for her non-judgmental approach, accessibility,
depth and breadth of knowledge and kindness. –A
“We were very fortunate to be
introduced to Rabbi Moritt. After having checked into various classroom
educational offerings, none quite fit our needs. Rabbi Moritt tailored
the course to cover topics that were meaningful and relevant to us. She
furthered our understanding of our rich history and provided meaningful
examples of the interconnectivity of our past and present. Her breadth of
knowledge and approach to teaching made our experience uniquely
satisfying. She always displayed tremendous cultural sensitivity, and
explored the commonality in our religions as well as the differences. We
feel privileged to be educated by such a learned scholar. We left with a greater appreciation of
our faith, and a plan for ways to incorporate our traditions into our daily
lives. Rabbi Moritt’s approach
afforded us flexibility to explore topics that were of interest.” -M
When I first
began studying with Leana, I viewed learning more about Judaism as a chore I
would have to perform to keep up with my more observant husband. However,
I was pleasantly surprised to find myself inspired to read the class materials
and excited to come to class each week and discuss the topics at hand. –M
Leana is an
amazing instructor and rabbi. –A
The length of
the course was helpful to really get to know everyone and feel comfortable
discussing all aspects of Judaism. -S
Leana was
fantastic. She was warm and
engaging also, and she made herself readily available which was so
wonderful. For me our personal
meeting was so helpful in clarifying my place in my own journey. –C
Leana’s class
made me realize that I wanted to bring Jewish life to my home and my
family. It is no longer and
“obligation” to go to temple or to celebrate Passover. Now my thinking leans me toward
remembering I am a Jew and being Jewish every day. I want my family and children to know and love being Jewish
and feeling connected to family, community and the spiritual aspect of being
Jewish. -E
The class was
very helpful and informative, I am glad I enrolled with my wife. Thank you very much for teaching. -I
Leana is
excellent all around!! A fantastic
knowledgeable instructor with a great way of helping a group grow together and
learn as a community. Overall this
was a meaningful and significant learning experience. I would recommend this course to anyone interested in learning
more about Judaism. –D
Leana’s class
was fantastic- on a scale of 1-10 ten being the highest- 10 on everything. Thank you. It must be hard to teach a course like this and I must
admit, I didn’t think I would be as touched as I was by it. Great experience. -M
Leana was outstanding. I thought her knowledge of the subject
was comprehensive, the material was useful, the presentation, engaging. Overall, Leana enlightened me with
respect to Judaism. -P
Leana was
very helpful as a counselor, especially during difficult class issues such as
Christmas and the Shoah. -L
Interfaith Counseling participants:
“The sessions we spent with you were critical. You helped us to
explore not only the guiding principles but also the practical realities of
daily spiritual practice, respecting each other's rituals and traditions, and
raising children in an interfaith home. While we will have many more
conversations about these in the future, we feel we have gotten off to a good
start. Your insight and pragmatic advice has provided us with a good
foundation from which to build on. We are especially grateful for your
expertise in facilitating this important dialogue and for gently probing on the
deeper thoughts and emotions that underlie our beliefs and practices. We will certainly call on you for any help
we need and would highly recommend you to couples who are similarly facing the
same issues.”
-D & T
Synagogue Outreach/Keruv Leaders:
Thank you for
facilitating the Temple Emanuel/Woodcliff Lake NJ Keruv workshop this
2009-2010 season. As parents and grandparents, we have more answers as to why
it is important to be Jewish, making it easier to transmit it to our
children. I
know you helped reach all of us. You were able to lift our discussion and awareness to a higher level. I know those of us
who were present can't wait to rejoin with
you for the next meeting. Thank you.
-A, Community outreach leader
Links to publications
to Press and written pieces by Rabbi Moritt:
The New York Times, Saturday, December 26, 2009:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/26/nyregion/26convert.html?em
The Roosevelt Island Main Street Wire, Saturday, December
12, 2009:
http://www.nyc10044.com/wire/3007/wire3007.pdf
The Jewish Standard
http://www.jstandard.com/content/author/Rabbi%20Leana%20Moritt
High Holiday Message for the Roosevelt Island Jewish
Congregation
http://rijc.org/hhmessage.aspx
Purim
Silliness for The Orangetown Jewish Center
http://www.theojc.org/media/shaliach/SHALIACH%20March%202008%205768.pdf (scroll to page 5)
Thoughts on tikkun olam for the Orangetown Jewish Center
http://www.theojc.org/media/shaliach/SHALIACH%20February%202008%205768.pdf
(scroll to page 7)
For questions or to contact Thresholds directly, Email rabbimoritt@gmail.com .
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