Rabbi Karen Levy
Rabbi Karen Levy, Program Director
Licensed to perform marriages
n Rabbi Karen Levy was installed as Rabbi of Oraynu Congregation following her recent ordination by the International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism,after completion of its Rabbinic Program and an M.A. in Jewish Studies at York University. Rabbi Levy is our Director of Jewish Programs and a Life Cycle officiant, licensed to perform marriages. Prior to this appointment. she had been a Madrikha, certified since 1993.
n She and her family have been members of Oraynu and the Secular Humanistic Jewish movement since 1981. She has served in many volunteer positions, including President of Oraynu and Co-Chair of the North American Federation of Secular Humanistic Jews.
n Karen is a professional educator who graduated from University of Toronto specializing in education, history and English, and she holds certificates in adult education and Jewish family education. She has taught students from pre-school to adult learners in both public and private schools. At Oraynu and for the Movement, her past staff positions include Principal of Oraynu Children's School, Oraynu Bat/Bar Mitzvah Director, and Education Director at the Institute. Karen has spearheaded the development of numerous religious and educational programs, including Bnai Mitzvah, family education, a children's library, teacher training and youth leadership training. She has given many workshops and has written and edited a variety of educational materials, including plays, simulations, ceremonies, curricula and teacher's guides.
n She enjoys working with the many volunteers and colleagues who are building a strong congregational community at Oraynu. Karen is dedicated to helping individuals everywhere find, in humanism and in Judaism, values and philosophies that guide us through the personal challenges and ethical dilemmas of everyday living.
n Publications
Values and History Curriculum for Secular Humanistic Jewish Supplementary Schools, JK-7, co-written with Eva Goldfinger, 1995 Resources and Activities for the Early Modern European Roots of Secular Humanistic Judaism, International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism, 1998
Background Notes and Questions (co-written with Leon Levenson) for Doctor Yudelman's Computer And Other Plays For Jewish Children by Leon Levenson, Ed. by Karen Levy , International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism, 2002
