Fiddler on the roof talkback
Sunday, September 15
Join us after the show for a community conversation with Rabbi Rob and Cantor Jen about Fiddler on the Roof, the history of pogroms, and the current events in Israel.
Rabbi Rosalin (Rose-a-lynn) Mandelberg serves as senior rabbi of the 700-family Ohef Sholom Temple in Norfolk. As its spiritual leader since 2005, Rabbi Roz uses wisdom, warmth, and humor to inspire the historic 178-year-old congregation to growth, to increased vibrancy, and to be the center of Reform Jewish life in Hampton Roads. Through creative worship, relevant courses, and a commitment to social justice, Rabbi Roz works determinedly to reach Jews by birth, Jews by choice, and interfaith families to create a community where each of us participates actively in Jewish and civic life.
Her particular areas of interest are in reaching out to interfaith and conversionary families and Jews by choice and in creating Jewish spiritual and educational programs, which benefit both Jews and non-Jews, alike. This includes her work in establishing Interfaith Trialogue with Muslim and Christian congregations in South Hampton Roads. Her success in these endeavors earned her a seat on the Union for Reform Judaism's national Commission on Inter-faith Outreach and Synagogue Membership, which held for 15 years as well as the Humanitarian Award from the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities and the Commitment to Interfaith Understanding Award from the Rumi Forum.
Rabbi Roz has been active in local communal agencies, serving on the boards of Jewish Family Services and The United Jewish Federation of Tidewater as well as on the Advisory Board of the Rumi Forum, Hampton Roads Chapter, and a co-chair of HUBB. She is also a past president of the Board of Rabbis and Cantors of Hampton Roads.
Rabbi Roz was ordained by the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in 1996 and holds a Masters in Hebrew Letters from the same institution as. She previously served congregations in Scarsdale, New York, and Baltimore, MD, and has published articles in several books and publications.
Cantor Jennifer (Jen) Rueben has served as cantor at Ohef Sholom Temple for six years. Cantor Jen was ordained at Hebrew Union College’s Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music in 2017. She holds a degree in opera performance from University of Florida and began her career as an opera and musical theatre performer. She also spent many years as a dedicated vocal coach. Prior to coming to Norfolk, she served Reform congregations in Miami, FL, and Neponsit, NY, and Minneapolis, MN.
Cantor Jen is known for her expertise in crafting creative rituals and designing innovative children's programming. She is a songwriter, specializing in melodies for synagogue prayer and children’s music that fosters Jewish identity formation. She is also a certified chaplain. Beyond her musical talents and spiritual leadership, she finds joy in writing, cooking, and hydroponic gardening.