About

Rabbi Susan Silverman is a writer, teacher, activist and Director of Second Nurture: Every Child Deserves a Family -- And a Community, a program to find loving families for waiting children. She is a founder of Miklat Israel, an NGO that assists the State of Israel in creating sustainable solutions for asylum seekers. Her recent book is Casting Lots: Creating a Family in a Beautiful, Broken World.

Endorsements

Sarah and Susan Silverman spoke to Boston University students in a Dept. of Religion program called "Sister Act". Students came out in droves to hear Sarah, who was smart and funny. But Susan knocked their socks off. With wisdom and humor she dove into the heart of life’s most important questions and took their breath away. Jews and non-Jews alike left feeling like they had found their rabbi.

— Dr. Deeana Klepper, Associate Professor of History and Religion, Boston University, Boston, MA

Rabbi Silverman captivated our students. She stimulated their intellect, combining thought-provoking questions with a high level, intellectual dialogue. She was self-reflective and humorous, able to intertwine traditional texts, modern commentaries, anecdotes, life stories and contemporary issues, allowing for all, regardless of background, to find meaning. She is a master teacher.

— Rabbi Joshua B. Cohen and Rabbi Todd Zeff, Directors, The Nachshon Project, Jerusalem, Israel

"...younger sister Sarah Silverman is not the only one in the family with a wicked sense of humor."

— Julius Lester, Professor Emeritus, UMass Amherst, Amherst, MA

“...a guide in how to turn our fears and anxieties into kindness and generosity, and tell a joke or two while we’re at it.”

— Paul Beatty, Author, The Sellout, Columbia University, NY, NY

Rabbi Susan Silverman brings with her not only a breadth and depth of wisdom, but also a passion for building a better world imbued with goodness and compassion. Justice articulated Jewishly has no better champion. My community, Congregation Netivot Shalom, was blessed to welcome Rabbi Silverman as our Scholar-in-Residence, and will carry her teachings for many years to come.

— Menachem Creditor, Rabbi, Congregation Netivot Shalom, Berkeley, CA

Rabbi Susan Silverman is as eloquent as she is entertaining. Her style is humble and accessible, making groups feel as if they have known her for years. She brings Jewish knowledge, spiritual depth, personal stories and humor, even when covering difficult topics.

— Shira Pruce, Director of Public Relations and Development, Women of the Wall, Jerusalem, Israel

It was a joy to welcome Rabbi Susan Silverman to our community. She is a compelling storyteller -- wise, funny, eloquent and accessible -- and she has a powerful message to deliver. Our members were completely engaged in her presentation,and all of us were challenged and inspired by the model she presents of a Judaism that opens its doors and hearts to children in need of a loving family.

— Janet Marder, Rabbi, Congregation Beth Am, Los Altos Hills, CA

Susan gave a delightful talk about her memoir Casting Lots: Creating a Family in a Beautiful, Broken World. An advocate for adoption and social justice, she discussed why she adopted children, her fascinating, chaotic background, how she came to be a rabbi … And despite the humour, members of the audience were moved to tears. A touching, emotional, yet entertaining evening. We salute you, Susan.

— Roxana Brauns, Director of Cultural Events, Jewish Public Library, Montreal, Canada

Contact Susan