Having occupied the position of director of rabbinic development for the Rabbinical Assembly since 2001, Rabbi Schonfeld is a well-known, respected and much-beloved rabbi. Prior to becoming the executive vice president of the Rabbinical Assembly in July 2009, she oversaw the revision of the placement process for rabbis graduating from North American seminaries and worked on all aspects of their training and placement. She has advanced numerous landmark projects of the Conservative rabbinate, including a study of women rabbis that was released in 2004, and follow-up programs to further the career advancement of female clergy. She has worked on issues of clergy self-awareness and boundaries and launched multiple intervention programs for Jewish communities in crisis following clergy transition, conflict, misconduct and tragedy.

In October 2008 she was named as the RA’s liaison to the Hekhsher Tzedek ethical certification initiative, which has garnered world-wide media attention.

Ordained from the Jewish Theological Seminary in 1997, where she had the honor of serving as commencement speaker, Rabbi Schonfeld’s career has been distinguished and varied. She served as the director or Synagogue Affairs at the American Jewish World Service from 2001 to 2002 immediately following her pulpit at the legendary Manhattan synagogue, The Society for the Advancement of Judaism, where she was Senior Rabbi from 1996 to 2001.

Rabbi Schonfeld’s professional affiliations are numerous, ranging from the New York Board of Rabbis to the New Israel Fund, the Jewish Fund for Justice and other organizations. She has also been active in interfaith work, working on religious responses to the key issues of the day.

The winner of many awards, honors and fellowships, Rabbi Schonfeld graduated cum laude from Yale University in 1987. Her performing arts experience and theatre education is evident in her warm, engaging and personal style. She is married and the mother of two young boys.

Show full bio

Hide full bio