Rabbi's Column

I grew up in New York City.  From the time of my Bat Mitzvah, my Jewish identity was essentially dormant.  During the late 80s, however, I escaped city life to attend SUNY New Paltz in the Catskill Mountains.  It was there in upstate New York where my love for Judaism was kindled.  The right passionate teacher showed me a world that I never knew could exist in Judaism: philosophy, mysticism, joyful, and melodious prayers; I was hooked almost immediately!  

I tought elementary school for eight years.  For six of those eight years, I tought fourth grade, which was my absolute favorite.  I have worked with elders in a rest home, leading singing sessions and sharing memories. I was also trained in hospital chaplaincy, and served as a volunteer with Hospice patients 

So, after a couple of years of Hebrew preparation at the Jewish Theological Seminary and Drisha Institute in New York, here I am at Ziegler Rabbinical School, where I have the opportunity to study with amazing teachers. 

I love nature and music, and although we had no football team in New Paltz, I have finally grasped the UCLA-USC rivalry!

Shalom,

Judi Del Bourgo

A few moments with Cantor Shapiro

Not unlike Surf City, I grew up in a small synagogue and town, Oswego, in Upstate New York.  My brother and I started leading services at a very young age.  We started with Jr. Congregation and as necessity would have it, we quickly moved into leading Shabbat services in the adult community.  In a small town with small numbers of Jewish people, you do what you have to do (sound familiar?)!

Our small synagogue would have many leaders, Rabbis and Cantors over the time I was growing up, each one bringing with him his own special “flavor” from where he was from.  It dawned on me years later that all the events that happen in our life, all the people we meet, all the jobs we do and all the mitzvot we complete, etc…make us into the person we have become today.

Over the years, part of my spiritual journey included, Jewish summer camps, assisting in holiday services including High Holidays, teaching Bar/Bat Mitzvah students, leading a small congregation in Gardena, CA and being a layperson in Orange County’s largest Conservative Synagogue.  This has lead me to going to back to Cantorial school in my adult life to fulfill a dream of being able to share my experiences and knowledge I have gained during my life’s journey with you!

Currently, I work at the Auto Club (AAA) as a Life Insurance agent and have been there for the past three years.  My wife Marcy of almost 23 years works for Hoag Hospital as an administrator.  She enjoys her work and the challenges that this type of work brings with it.  Our son Matt is currently the co-owner of a Karate Studio in Mission Viejo.  He is also a USY advisor and past president of his chapter.  Our daughter Molly (also a former USY president) studied in Israel at Hebrew University for her Freshman year.  She is now back and in a local community college completing the credits she needs to transfer to a university and is also a USY advisor for two different synagogues.

I am very honored and humbled that you have chosen me to join with you at Surf City for the next 6 months.  In Parsha Vayikra, which we will be read later in the Jewish year, Moses is humbled when he comes near the newly completed (portable) Tabernacle and is not allowed to enter it.  G-d reassured him that although the Tent was holy and had to be treated with reverence, it existed to benefit Israel.  I know that during the time we are together, we will grow and learn together through all of our hard work and love of the entire congregation.