Judaism provides many tools for navigating our lives, yet we don’t always consider them in managing our daily challenges. This last year has left many of us feeling unmoored and off balance, not only by the pandemic, but also by the political upheaval. The Jewish concepts of Tahor and Tamei which have often been interpreted as “clean” and “unclean” may actually offer a roadmap to returning to wholeness. We will be discussing an alternative translation and understanding that can create a useful practice for reclaiming our lives.

Nina Rubin has been building community and teaching in Jewish Communities for more than 40 years.   She is a Jewish educator who spent 40 years teaching adult and youth education at all levels, and 15 years teaching Ethics and Purposes for the Melton School. 30 years ago, she began the Chevrah Kaddisha in Fort Collins, CO, where every member of the Jewish community is viewed as a member of the Chevrah. She began teaching nationally at the Chevra Kaddisha North American conferences in 2007.

Nina and her partner Rabbi Hillel Katzir are currently the Rabbinic team for Congregation B’nai Butte in Crested Butte CO.  Nina is a recently retired LCSW who, as a medical counselor in a large hospital, worked with trauma, end of life concerns, support through new diagnosis and care for patients and families.