Roni Handler is a native Philadelphian and a 5th year student at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College (RRC). Prior to her studies at RRC, she received an MA in Jewish Communal Service from the Hornstein Program at Brandeis University and a BA in International Affairs from The George Washington University. Rabbi Roni has served as an intern in many Jewish organizations and congregations, including: Mayyim Hayyim Living Waters Community Mikveh and Education Center, The Rashi School, JRF (Jewish Reconstructionist Federation), No’ar Hadash (Reconstructionist youth movement), and the Reconstructionist Synagogue of the North Shore. She has also spent time working at the Aaron and Marjorie Ziegelman campus of Camp JRF in the Poconos, served as the advisor to Reconstructionist students at Brandeis University, and has been the Editor for Ritualwell.org since 2007.
Rabbi Roni has enjoyed counting herself among the builders of the Reconstructionist movement through her work at Camp JRF, No’ar Hadash, and on college campuses. Roni is continually inspired by the aspect of Reconstructionist ideology that affords all willing participants the opportunity to make a deep and lasting imprint on our future, and enables everyone’s voice to be heard. Rabbi Roni is passionate about infusing every moment with meaning, especially through creating innovative Jewish rituals, adapting traditional rituals, and helping others to notice and mark life transitions in a deep and meaningful way. Combining contemporary and traditional modes of spiritual practice are integral pieces of Rabbi Roni’s approach to Judaism; including yoga, meditation, Mussar (Jewish ethical practice), nature, and song.
Rabbi Roni will be the Or Hadash Sabbatical Rabbi for the year 5771 (2010-11).