I decided to become a rabbi out of my love for Jewish learning. When I originally entered rabbinical school, it was with the intention of pursuing a Ph.D. After I was ordained and was studying in a doctoral program at the Hebrew Union College, I began to feel like I was missing out on the personal contact with others that I so enjoyed about rabbinical work. That was when I decided to enter the pulpit. I was ordained in 2000 and served for three years at Bet Shalom Congregation in Minnesota. I grew a lot from that experience and hope to be able to apply what I learned there to my rabbinate at Temple Sinai.

Being a rabbi means being a teacher and a Jewish guide on several different levels. I am privileged as a rabbi to have the opportunity to spend time studying, learning, and pondering the questions and issues of Jewish life. I believe that it is my responsibility to teach others and to raise the same questions and issues for them to consider—through sermons, classes, living examples, and personal contact. As a people, we can reach out to our Jewish traditions to find comfort and meaning in our lives and also to raise new awareness of matters that are relevant in response to ever changing current events. I am honoured to work with others to try to resolve the personal conflict that we all experience from time to time.

I cherish Jewish life, learning, and tradition. The purpose of my rabbinate is to enhance these elements in myself as well as assist others in their journey.

I have always considered Temple Sinai to be my home. My family joined Temple Sinai when I was 4 years old. I became a bat torah here, completed Confirmation here, and celebrated my wedding here. Now I am so privileged to serve as one of Temple Sinai’s rabbis.

Temple Sinai has always been special to me, not only because of my history here, but because I truly respect and cherish the ideals and values that are central to this community. Temple Sinai is unique in its approach to tradition while being progressive; its love of Israel; its appreciation for Hebrew and Jewish learning; and its ability to be a warm, comfortable home for so many families. I am so glad to be home again.

I am happy to be part of congregation and community where I can make a difference in others’ lives, where I can grow and learn, while feeling fulfilled in my rabbinate. I feel blessed to work with a supportive team; to be encouraged to study and learn; to have opportunities to preach and to officiate at and/or participate in various events in the life of our congregants and community.

I am happiest in an environment that allows me to challenge myself and develop my abilities while I share my talents with the congregation. I also see myself as part of a team with the lay leaders of the congregation. Through committee work, volunteering, teaching and learning from each other, we strengthen the congregation as a whole.

It is both a challenge and a privilege to be a rabbi. I am challenged every day to continue to learn, and to keep my ideas fresh and relevant. I consider it a great privilege that others let me in to their lives—into the intimate moments they experience in Jewish life, confiding personal struggles and worries, and striving for holiness. I do not have all of the answers to life’s difficult questions, but I have a will to be present with others through the celebrations and the losses, the triumphs and the trials that we all may experience. It is my sacred opportunity to honour God through honouring Judaism, my community, and my fellow Jews.
The best way to contact me is by e-mail: polonsky@templesinai.net.