Bridging religious difference, working for social change
ABOUT
I generally introduce myself as a rabbi and professor who works at the intersections of sacred texts, culture, and ethics. But no one can be encapsulated in a short set of descriptors.
I'm also an interfaith activist, a mother, an environmentalist, an empath, a pragmatist, and a perfectionist. A feminist. An anti-racist. Creative, assertive, intuitive. A bridge-builder, game-player, and movie-crier. A lover of people, dogs, and being near beautiful bodies of water. Sharing this small part of my story, I invite you to think about how we might work together.
Dangerous Religious Ideas
Reveals how faith traditions have always passed down tools for self-examination and debate, because all religious ideas--not just extremist ones--can cause harm, even as they also embody important moral teachings.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT DANGEROUS RELIGIOUS IDEAS
“As both a scholar and a rabbi, Mikva is unblinking in her self-critical examination of these dangerous religious ideas, offering believers and nonbelievers alike a new way to think about the enduring the power of faith.”
— Reza Aslan, author of Zealot: The Life of and Times of Jesus of Nazareth
SPEAKING
Rabbi Rachel Mikva's closing remarks at Parliament of the World's Religions.
Michelle Alexander, J.D., author of "The New Jim Crow" speaks in a conversation hosted by Rabbi Rachel Mikva.
Reflecting together on human nature, the climate crisis, and the necessity of hope.
TESTIMONIALS
Rabbi Betsy Torop, Central Conference of American Rabbis
Ideas and texts come alive while learning with Rachel; I can’t recommend her highly enough!
Rev. H. Scott Matheney, Dean of Religious Life, Elmhurst University
Her knowledge and presentation captured the imagination of all that evening, and we are looking to her return in the future.
Rabbi Daniel Gropper, Community Synagogue of Rye NY
You’ll walk away from your time with Rachel with your thoughts provoked, your mind expanded and new questions raised.
Dr. Dean Phillip Bell, President, Spertus Institute
Rachel Mikva is a master teacher and a remarkable presenter. She is a thoughtful public intellectual with the skill to address many of the most pressing issues of today in a diverse array of contexts and for many different audiences.
IN THE PRESS
CALENDAR
Jewish Pride: Reexamining the Tradition on Gender and Sexuality
Edinboro University
Fall 2021
Dangerous Religious Ideas
Jewish Theological Seminary
April 20, 2021 - 7:30 p.m. Eastern
The State as Idol
+ other dangerous religious ideas
Naples United Church of Christ
April 11-12, 2021 - in person, if it's safe!
If we are brave enough to be it--a conversation with Drs. Emilie Townes and Angela Sims
Central Conference of American Rabbis
March 15, 2021 - 7:00 p.m. Eastern
Dangerous Religious Ideas
Irvine United Congregational Church and University Synagogue
March 7, 2021 - 1:00 p.m. Pacific
Dangerous Religious Ideas
Ames United Church of Christ
March 3, 2021 - 10:45 a.m. Central
One year of COVID
T'ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights
March 2, 2021 - 4:00 p.m. Eastern (recording here)
Jews and Race
Institute of Southern Jewish Life
February 18, 2021
Dangerous Religious Ideas
First Congregational Church, Omaha
January 13, 2021, 5:45 p.m.
Dangerous Religious Ideas
Congregation Hakafa
January 10, 2021, 10:30 a.m.
Taking on the Tough Questions in Interreligious Engagement
Central Conference of American Rabbis
December 15, 2020
Dangerous Religious Ideas
North Shore Congregation Israel
November 17, 2020
The Role of Religion in the Public Square
KAM Isaiah Israel Congregation, Chicago (register)
November 15, 2020 - 11:00 a.m. Central
The Role of Religion in the Public Square
Institute for Islamic, Christian, and Jewish Studies, Baltimore (register)
November 10, 2020 - 3:00 p.m. Central
Gender and Religion
Hastings College/First Congregational UCC of Hastings
October 16, 2020, 10:30 a.m. Central
Taking on the Tough Questions in Interreligious Engagement
University of Chicago
October 6, 2020 - 7:00-8:00 p.m. Central
Judaism and Climate Responsibility
Spertus Institute
September 10, 2020
Ethical Triage: Loss and Healing in this Strange, Strange Time
Atlanta synagogue consortium
July 29, 2020
Theological Responses to the Pandemic
Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education
June 27, 2020