Rabbi Jessica Lowenthal has been selected to take part in the18Doors Rukin Rabbinic Fellowship Program, which launched with a virtual kickoff retreat earlier this month.

“As the Jewish community continues to reflect the diversity within America, we must make it clear that all who are part of a Jewish family are not only welcome, but truly belong within our doors,” said Rabbi Lowenthal, who is the spiritual leader of Temple Beth Shalom Melrose.

Rabbi Lowenthal, who grew up in Framingham, obtained her MBA in non-profit management and her M.A. in Jewish Leadership through the Hornstein program at Brandeis University. She completed her B.A. at George Washington University in Religion and Judaic Studies. The new Rukin Rabbinic Fellows are part of a unique community of practice, which will help them hone their skills working with interfaith couples and families. Each will participate in professional development provided by I8Doors. In addition to the virtual retreat in early 2021, there will be another retreat in Spring 2022, regular webinars, small group learning and one-on-one mentoring. The Fellows will each offer programs and workshops for interfaith couples in their own communities and virtually for a national audience. They will also work individually with couples seeking Jewish clergy to officiate a lifecycle event through 18Doors’ referral service, answer questions, and connect couples to existing inclusive resources and organizations.

Temple Beth Shalom is a Reform Jewish synagogue serving over 100 families from communities including Melrose, Malden, Medford, Reading, Saugus, Stoneham and Wakefield. For more information, email rabbi@tbsma.org, visit www.tbsma.org or call 781-665-4520.