Cool Careers - Clergy

Interview with Rabbi Karen Thomashow: Associate Rabbi, Holy Blossom Temple, Toronto, ON

"Being with people in a very meaningful way, particularly in difficult times of their lives is challenging. That said, it is something I take great pride in. It is a challenge in that it requires all of my strength and wisdom."

1. How would you describe what you do?

First, I would say that I fulfill both a profession and a calling. I minister to 2000 families in a congregation alongside a team of colleagues – who are professional clergy and lay (volunteer) leaders. I provide pastoral care, I teach adults and children, I support lay committees, I regularly speak from the pulpit and conduct worship services, and I officiate at life cycle events. I am a Rabbi to our schools, I study and pray and I do a lot of administrative work. I attempt to be creative and traditional, innovative and authentic.

2. How did you get started?

I was inspired by Judaism and the Rabbis who were my teachers at a very young age. When I was 12, I had a particular Rabbi who encouraged me to consider this professional calling. That experience laid the ground work for when I was in Grade 10 and I travelled to Israel with 40 peers. While on the trip, my best friend was notified that she had lost her father. After much discussion she decided to remain on the trip rather than return home. A schedule was put in place where she met with a Rabbi each evening for support and invited me along to those sessions. It was that exposure that had a significant and profound impact on me. The Rabbis interpreted Judaism and provided support in a way I had not previously experienced. That, combined with my family experience with Judaism, led me to this path. As an adult, I attended Seminary and completed the required study to be able to be a Rabbi.

3. What do you like and dislike about what you do?

I love to study torah and to teach it. I particularly am interested in the entire process of the development and delivery of sermons. I have a great fondness for our youth and engaging them. I feel very comfortable visiting those in need and providing pastoral care – it is one of the most important things that I do.

It is so hard to say what I dislike. I feel, at times, burdened by some of the administrative work. I don’t hate that work – it is something we all need to face – and I do appreciate the results that come from focusing on email and administration. It is important – it just takes time away from the study, teaching and pastoral care activities that I love. Our plugged in nature can take away from the time we have available to develop real relationships.

4. How do you make money/or how are you compensated?

 This question was asked to Rabbis in the medieval period – which was the first time a professional position in this area came into existence! At that time the question was focused on how to appropriately recognize the work a Rabbi does. However, the question you are asking is less philosophical! I am on salary that is paid by my congregation. I like that I do not get paid on a “fee for service” basis.

5. What education or skills are needed to do this?

 You need to have “Smicha” – which equates roughly in English to ordination. It is a passing of the bar of Jewish knowledge that qualifies you into religious leadership. You gain this via 5 years of seminary study after you have an undergraduate degree. I also have a certificate in Clinical Pastoral Education.

There are other key skills required for this position, such as leadership and a good understanding of how not-for-profit organizations run, including some business skills are important. You need to have compassion and a deep, deep love for the Jewish people. Experience in teaching, pedagogy, and speaking skills are also important.

6. What is most challenging about what you do?

Being with people in a very meaningful way, particularly in difficult times of their lives is challenging. That said, it is something I take great pride in. It is a challenge in that it requires all of my strength and wisdom.

I find speaking without notes very challenging – extemporaneous speaking, from the pulpit, in meetings or while teaching is something I strive to work at and improve upon.

7. What is most rewarding?

Seeing the accomplishments of our youth through our programming, education, torah reading, volunteerism, etc. is so inspiring and rewarding. Weddings are incredibly rewarding – I particularly value the time I spend with couples all the way through the process. Working with conversion candidates and taking them through the process of study and joining the Jewish people is very rewarding. I also find the High Holidays are a really important time – it is the time of year when we have the most intensive period for our profession and it is rewarding to move through each season.

8. What advice would you offer someone considering this career?

I have four pieces of advice:
a) Speak to as many Rabbis as possible. All of us have shared and unique experiences and getting a variety of views and mentorship early on is so important. I currently have 3 mentors and speak with them often.
b) I would advise a younger person to study liberal arts in University – gain a wide knowledge base that can serve as a base as you continue your focus in Jewish Studies.
c) Volunteer, volunteer, volunteer. Do as much as you can and do varied things – some of the best experiences I have had are opportunities I sought out on my own in between my formal education programs.
d) Read Jewish texts all the time and preferably study within a group – this is the life of a Rabbi and a sacred obligation.

9. What is a common misconception people have about what you do?

I think there are some people in this world who believe that Rabbis only work on the Sabbath and that during the week we work to prepare only for the Sabbath. I won’t go into all that we do – but this view is just a slice of the reality of the job.

I also think people believe that men are the only gender or are better at being a Rabbi. In the liberal movement over the last 40 years our organizations have had the opportunity to recognize that female leadership is part and parcel of good leadership. I am proud that my male colleagues and I are on the same level and, as a young woman, it is something that often takes people by surprise.

10. What are your goals/dreams for the future?

My goal is to constantly be challenged and to challenge others. People ask me how long I have been in this position I answer that I have been here long enough to feel comfortable while at the same time I am constantly being challenged – and that is the best feeling.

I would like to someday be a rabbinic leader in a congregation and mentor other Rabbis.

11. What else would you like people to know about what you do?

I could give a warm, fuzzy answer – I am really blessed to have found this calling. But perhaps I’ll end with something more pointed. I feel really honoured to be a Rabbi at my particular congregation. I take it very seriously that this is my first pulpit – and I recognize that often the first pulpit gives the Rabbi more than what the Rabbi can give. It is part of the process and the fulfillment of my dream and I am grateful.

Rabbi Thomashow, thanks so much for sharing your interesting and unique career with us – and for being available to Challenge Factory clients interested in spending a day in the life of clergy.
To read about other cool careers please visit: http://www.challengefactory.ca/career-blog