By Stephanie Prokop, Staff Writer
BORDENTOWN CITY — As the community at Temple B’nai Abraham prepared for Yom Kippur this week, that sense of spirit and togetherness is exactly what Rabbi Julie Pfau said has enthralled her on a weekly basis for the past two years.
Rabbi Pfau said on Monday that although the week between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur is an intense period within the Jewish community, she was excitedly anticipating the services, which begin at sunset Wednesday.
“In the Days of Awe, as it is called, this is a time for introspection, and taking stock of the last year, and the relationships that you’re in, and seeing if you’ve been treating people with kindness,” she said.
“The most important thing to commit to, is to see how you can change internally, and address whatever you need to,” she said.
Although Rabbi Pfau has been leading services for the past two years at the temple, she is currently studying at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, in Philadelphia, to further her rabbinical studies.
For undergraduate studies, she attended Augustana College where she received a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She received a master’s degree in Jewish studies from Emory University.
Rabbi Pfau started off just doing monthly readings at the synagogue, and progressed to a more active role.
“I’ve been doing a lot of reading services, and this year I’m really focusing on taking on a much more expanded role,” she said.
Taking on that expanded role, she said, was a natural progression with the community that frequents B’nai Abraham.
“There’s a lot of interface between people, and it’s just a very warm and delightful warm community,” she said.
The temple has a very eclectic dynamic, she added, because of the varying range of people.
“We have people who are more conservative in their faith, and we also have people who are much more liberal, and they all have very strong connections with one another, not only in times of need, but also in joyful times,” she added.
In addition to participating in weekly services, she also works as the education director for the temple’s Sunday school, and regularly works with school-age children.
While working and configuring the curriculum for Sunday school teachers and working with Bat Mitzvah students, Rabbi Pfau said one of the more profound things she does is to encourage students to ask questions about their faith.
She said this way, students are much more likely to stick with their faith as they grow older, and less likely to give up on Judaism because they tire of the teachings that aren’t aimed toward them.
“I really want them to take ownership, and engage it in, challenge it, and find the things they don’t agree with and ask questions about it. I think that if they’re really engaged with it, then they will be more likely to stick with it later,” she said.
As for the future, Rabbi Pfau said that it’s too soon to tell where she’ll be after her June 2010 graduation, but added that she is “definitely interested in staying involved with the community at B’nai Abraham.”
For a list of services, contact the temple at 609-298-1527.