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Bridging religious difference, working for social change

About

ABOUT

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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.

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Books

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.

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PURCHASE FROM THESE RETAILERS

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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

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

Testimonials
Grey Limbo

Rabbi Betsy Torop, Central Conference of American Rabbis

Ideas and texts come alive while learning with Rachel; I can’t recommend her highly enough!

Grey Limbo

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.

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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.

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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

Press

USA Today

January 31, 2021

CALENDAR

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!

Dangerous Religious Ideas

University of St. Thomas (register)

March 23, 2021 - 11:45 a.m. Central

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

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