Mackler: a most inspiring rabbi

Rabbi Shana Goldstein Mackler, the daughter of Samuel Goldstein of Altamonte Springs, has been named one of the 32 Most Inspiring Rabbis in the U.S. by the Jewish Daily Forward.

Mackler is rabbi of Congregation Ohabai Sholom in Nashville, Tenn. She began her service there right after her ordination, and brought with her not only her extensive academic knowledge of Judaism, but also the heart of Judaism.

"Her kindness knows no bounds and always, always reminds us of what it means to be a Jew in these often dangerous times. She shows me on a daily basis the importance of striving for social justice when justice seems so far out of reach for us, our Muslim brothers and sisters, the Latino community, the LGBTQ community, said Pamela Harrison in the Forward.

"For me, she is the epitome of just what it means to be a Jew in one's heart and in one's actions," Harrison added.

With her guidance, the temple engages in Room in the Inn for the homeless during the winter months, and has a program for recovering addicts. The women members have their own Torah study and a program called W.E.L.L., Women Engaged in Living and Learning, a program she began that keeps women involved long after their children have grown.

Mackler keeps the congregants engaged in the life of the temple and in the life of our community.

"For those reasons I believe that she is one of the most inspiring rabbis in America," Harrison concluded.