Rabbi Shira H. Joseph
Rabbi Shira Joseph has been with Congregation Sha’aray Shalom since 2003. Her message for congregants and new members is strong and clear.
“I'm willing and open. I'm interested in who you are and want you to know, you are welcome here,” she said. “We have a common purpose in our community to care about each other, develop friendships, provide education for our children and for ourselves and to celebrate all that is good about being Jewish.”
Congregation Sha’aray Shalom, CSS has 269 families that come from 29 communities. “It’s varied from single moms to Jewish parents to interfaith couples to single individuals to families who've adopted internationally to straight to gay. It’s a mix, that’s what makes it wonderful here. My vision for the synagogue continues on that path. Every person should be the best person they should be,” said the Rabbi. “I don't believe you can be a Jewish hermit and I don't want a person to be a cardiac Jew-feeling Jewish in their heart but not acting on it,” she said, acknowledging, “community is everything.”
Rabbi Joseph began her career as a special ed teacher. “It’s the lens of special ed that I see the world in which I preach, study and share in the lives of our community because each person matters...So I was profoundly affected and shaped by being a public school teacher.”
Her degrees include: a BA in English Ed from Rutgers, NJ in 1978. In 1979, a Masters in Education and a Reading Specialist certificate from Lehigh in PA. In 1994, she received a Masters of Arts in Hebrew Literature at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) in NY. And in 1995, she was ordained as a Rabbi in 1995 by HUC-JIR.
Currently Rabbi Joseph is a member of Hingham Hull Religious Leaders Association where she served as its President. She’s also the co-chair of the Union for Reform Judaism’s National Committee for access to Lifelong Jewish Education.
In addition, Rabbi Joseph is a contributor to the magazine, “Torah at the Center.” She lectures nationwide on integrating children and adults with special needs into worship communities. At the 2010 Outreach Conference in Boston, she participated on a panel discussion for making Judaism accessible, teaching children and adults to see the bless-able moments in our lives.
Recently Rabbi Joseph hosted best selling author Anita Diamant and participated with her in discussing the December Dilemma, an issue with which many interfaith families struggle.
“We provide new, innovative programs and opportunities so there’s a place for everybody-that’s what I’m most proud of- teaching adult ed classes about Morocco, Streams of Judaism and Hebrew Marathon.” In addition, CSS offers book and movie discussions, scholarships in residence, concerts and guest speakers.
Rabbi Joseph and her husband, Saul have been married for 33 years. They have three daughters: Shayna, 29; Samantha, 27 and Lauren, 25 years old.
Cantor Steven Weiss is the Cantor and Director of Education at Congregation Sha’aray Shalom in Hingham, Massachusetts, where he has served for the past five years.