Prayer, Transformation and Tikkun Olam

Prayer Talk Video

Rabbi Rachel Adler

Can prayer transform us? Renowned Jewish thinker and scholar Rabbi Rachel Adler, PhD, explains the process. Focusing on self-change in our society is often self-centered. But prayer that touches transcendence, teaches Dr. Adler, can help us to feel the suffering of others without succumbing to despair.

Rabbi Rachel Adler, PhD is the Rabbi David Ellenson Professor of Jewish Religious Thought and Professor of Modern Jewish Thought and Feminist Studies at HUC-JIR/Los Angeles.  She was one of the first theologians to integrate feminist perspectives and concerns into the interpretation of Jewish texts and the renewal of Jewish law and ethics. Her essay "The Jew Who Wasn't There," first published in 1971, is generally considered the first piece of Jewish feminist theology. She is the author of Engendering Judaism which won the National Jewish Book Award for Jewish Thought. She is the first female theologian to win this award.
Adler’s academic credentials include a PhD in Religion and Social Ethics from the University of Southern California with a conjoint certificate in Judaica from Hebrew Union College, an M.A. in English Literature from Northwestern University, and a Masters degree in Social Work from the University of Minnesota. She was ordained as a rabbi by Hebrew Union College in Spring 2012.

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