Message From The Rabbi

Rabbi Rachael Miller

Whenever I pray the V’ahavta, I’m always drawn to the line v’shinantam l’vanecha—that we should teach these words (and all that Judaism encompasses) to our children. That’s why it touches my heart every time a student of our congregation returns to teach, learn, or grow as an adult within our community. 

Rabbi Max is one of Atlanta’s shining examples of someone who grew up in our community and returned to teach—having been a student at Davis, Weber, and Temple Emanu-El. 

This summer, your Temple Emanu-El rabbis are so pleased to welcome back another “child” of the congregation who has grown into a remarkable adult in her own right. 

Sydney Levy was born into the Temple Emanu-El community, and we are thrilled to welcome her back as our rabbinic intern. After graduating from the DeKalb School of the Arts, Sydney moved to Israel to participate in Young Judaea’s Year Course program—an immersive year of living and learning in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Upon returning to the U.S., she attended Florida State University, graduating this spring with a degree in Music Therapy. 

This fall, Sydney will intern with Fulton County Schools’ Music Therapy program before sitting for her Music Therapy Board Certification. Next year, she plans to apply to cantorial or rabbinical school, and we look forward to offering her meaningful experiences to help prepare for that journey. 

Throughout the summer and the coming year, you’ll see Sydney around the synagogue—at Torah study, Shabbat services, lifecycle events, and a variety of Temple Emanu-El programs. 

Please be sure to welcome her home and say, “Shalom!” 

Shavua Tov, 

 
Rabbi Rachael 

P.S. If your child or grandchild is looking for voice, piano, or guitar lessons this summer or during the coming year, reach out to Sydney at sydneylevy4@gmail.com to learn more.