Adina founded Sha'ar, a community oriented around societal, environmental and spiritual sustainability, which for 20 years provided multiple gateways into Jewish life exemplified by a commitment to inclusivity, diversity and innovation. She writes frequently on the changing landscape of identity and belonging and speaks in a variety of settings, including the Rabbinical School at JTS, where she teaches contemporary Jewish Law. She, is a member of the senior rabbinic faculty of the Shalom Hartman Institute, the Board of Keshet, a national organization working for LGBTQ+ inclusion in Jewish and democratic life, and the AJ Heschel School in NYC. She’s married to Andi, and together they’re blessed with 6 kids. When not in NYC or leading Jewish adventures around the world, Dini lives in Quebec's Laurentian mountains, where she’s building a nature-driven Jewish community, the Laurentian Jewish Community Centre, and the region’s first green Jewish cemetery, Makom Manitou.
KIND WORDS FROM TRUSTED SOURCES
Studying with Rabbi Adina Lewittes is gratifying because of her depth of knowledge, her command of traditional texts and relevant contemporary texts, and her engaging manner, leaving the student feeling inspired and eager to continue to participate in her classes.
Vicki Abrams
New York, NY
Throughout five days, Dini brought her unique approach, coupling rich learning with paths to action, incorporating Jewish ritual and reflection.
Debbie Lerner
New York, NY
Every class of Dini’s is a tour de force packed with wonderful sources and raising stimulating questions.
Judith Plaskow | Theologian
Author of the Jewish feminist classic Standing Again at Sinai
Dini brings to her teaching a love of the sources, an intrepid engagement with meaning, and a receptivity to interpretation by her students that makes all of us into a community as soon as we begin to study with her.
Nessa Rapoport
Author of A Woman's Book of Grieving, House on the River, and Evening
I have had the absolute joy of travelling twice with Rabbi Adina Lewittes. Dini is a fabulous tour guide! She is deeply knowledgeable, and insightful and I learned tons of history. In addition, she is so much fun to travel with - the trip was full of education, spiritual connections and tons of laughter. I cannot recommend her enough.
Shira Antonoff
Dini inhabits a rare niche among Jewish educators: she inspires both scholars and laypeople to deeper engagement with study and action.
Rachel Brodie, z"l
Master Jewish Educator
Working with Rabbi Lewittes on innovative programs was a pleasure. She is a courageous and original thinker who engages her congregants in multiple and diverse ways.
Rabbi Haim Ovadia
Torah VeAhava
Studying with Dini constantly challenges me to look at our world and ask myself “What else can I be doing” to help heal? I am exposed to people, questions and problems through a Jewish lens that I would not have come in contact with.
Bennett Grau
Chair, Southern Poverty Law Center
Rabbi Lewittes is a dedicated researcher, able to organize material to present a clear perspective. Her interviewing skills are extraordinarily perceptive. She is kind, considerate and challenging while welcoming and encouraging discussion.
Phyllis and Avi Benjamin
Ontario, Canada
Rabbi Lewittes is a dedicated researcher, able to organize material to present a clear perspective. Her interviewing skills are extraordinarily perceptive. She is kind, considerate and challenging while welcoming and encouraging discussion.
Phyllis and Avi Benjamin
Ontario, Canada
