Rabbi Ellen Nemhauser

Rabbi Ellen Nemhauser (she/her) was ordained in 1993 from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York. She has worked in congregations, at Jewish summer camps, and at Emory University’s Center for Israel Education. She is currently the part-time rabbi of Congregation B’nai Israel in Fayetteville, GA, while working full time as the manager of the URJ’s 20-week Introduction to Judaism program. She also serves as the president of Interfaith Atlanta. She is an executive member of the Atlanta Jewish Community Relations Council. In her spare time, Ellen enjoys hiking, travelling, and trying out new recipes on unsuspecting Sabbath dinner guests.

Introduction to Judaism: A Thriving Online Learning Community

Rabbi Ellen Nemhauser
If, a few years back, someone had told me that we could build an intimate online community of people exploring Judaism, I would have had my doubts. But with the very first Introduction to Judaism classes URJ launched in 2017, this idea has become a reality.
Photo of a person's hands touching a picture frame with a picture of an older man

Can I say the Mourner’s Kaddish for Non-Jewish Loved Ones?

Rabbi Ellen Nemhauser
Jewish people can say the Mourner's Kaddish for loved ones who are not Jewish. Many Jewish individuals have close family members from different backgrounds and religions and it is appropriate for Jews to observe mourning rituals for their loved ones.

Embracing Divine Imperfection

Rabbi Ellen Nemhauser
On the way home from school one day, my then five-year-old son asked me, "Mom, if nobody's perfect and all people are made in the image of God, doesn't that mean that God isn't perfect?" His question then, and even now, is not easy to answer.

Give to the URJ

The Union for Reform Judaism leads the largest and most diverse Jewish movement in North America.

Donate Today!