Rabbi Aviva Fellman

Rabbi Aviva Fellman knew she wanted to be a rabbi since she was eight. An invitation from the new rabbi in her home shul to participate in services made her feel, even as a third grader, that her presence mattered and that she was valued.
 
Born in Boston, she grew up in a Philadelphia suburb, where she attended Jewish day schools. After completing her bachelor’s Suma Cum Laude in Religious Studies at the University of Pittsburgh, she earned a master’s in Talmud and Jewish Law from Machon Schechter in Jerusalem and was ordained by the Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS) in NYC in 2012—where she is proud to have been half of the first simultaneous daughter-father rabbinical student duo.
 
Since joining us as our spiritual leader in 2014, Rabbi Aviva has been a dynamic force of inspired energy. She is passionate about getting to learn, live, breathe, and teach Torah full time. She mentors and supports students through the Hillels at local colleges and universities, regularly teaches senior adult courses through the community WISE program, serves on the executive board of Worcester Interfaith, and is active on committees at City Hall, including efforts to end homelessness and to address issues of race and inequality. She works endlessly to break barriers to inclusion and for acceptance of all in religious spaces.
 
When she finds a moment of free time, Rabbi Aviva enjoys cooking, baking and sharing with others, being outside, reading, solving puzzles, traveling, and racking up miles on a bike that doesn’t go anywhere. She is married to Ari and is a loving Ema (mom) to their four energetic children.

Email Rabbi Aviva Fellman at rabbi@bethisraelworc.org.