The World Celebrates Rabbi Marcia Prager

Rabbi Marcia Prager, an inspirational Jewish Renewal spiritual leader, teacher, guide, and colleague, has become a model for a new generation of lay and professional leadership. Through her, many of us have forged an intimate, passionate relationship with Judaism, with the divine in all of us, and thus, with each other.

The P'nai Or Philadelphia Jewish Renewal community is grateful that in 5772 (2011) R. Marcia celebrated 18 years of serving as our Rabbi-Chaver. In her honor, friends from around the world shared these many stories, poems, and loving tributes, to show our gratitude and naches at this wonderful milestone!



A Judaism Rich in Connection and Holiness

Dearest Reb Marcia,

For many years I found the services in the Conservative synagogues of which I was a member with my family dry and unappealing. I felt little if any connection to G-d, and couldn’t understand how the prayers had any meaning. They were rote and boring, uninteresting and dull.  It was you who opened up my eyes and heart to the beauty of prayer.

My first experience with Jewish Renewal was a Yom Kippur service led by you at P’nai Or. I didn’t know what to expect, but was ready to experience the meaningful service a friend had promised me. And boy, was I blown away! Never had I felt the depth and beauty of the Yom Kippur prayers as I did there; never had I felt my spirit uplifted as it was there; never had I experienced the love of G-d as I did there. As I sang and prayed through my tears, I came to the realization that this was the Judaism I was looking for: a Judaism rich in connection and holiness, a Judaism that touches the neshama, deeply and completely.

Thank you, Reb Marcia, for giving me, then, and every Shabbos, the opportunity to experience what it is like to have my spirit touched by G-d.  I have found my home, and this is truly where I belong.

Much love and blessings,

Tammy Forstater

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