Who We Are
Rabbi Bridget Wynne, Executive Director
Here's a bit about me. I hope you'll get in touch and tell me about you!
I grew up as a cultural Jew, celebrating holidays with family and friends. My mother was Jewish, my father a lapsed Catholic. As an adult, I was curious about whether the Judaism I had learned about informally was the "real thing," so I took classes and tried out various informal Jewish groups that met for Shabbat dinners or services. As I experienced more of Jewish life, I was drawn to Judaism's openness to a variety of opinions, its wisdom about everyday life, its connections to social justice, the ways it can help people create communities of meaning and purpose, and much more.
Eventually I decided to become a rabbi. I was ordained in 1994 after attending rabbinic school in Jerusalem, Los Angeles, and Cincinnati. I served as rabbi at Leo Baeck Temple in Los Angeles, and then at Congregation Shir Shalom of Sonoma in the Bay Area. Besides serving synagogues, I've worked with many people who would like to learn more about Jewish life, but for whom synagogues are not the right entry point. I've also been aware of how difficult it can be to find a place in the Jewish community if you feel marginalized because you don't know much about Judaism, don't believe in God, are in an interfaith relationship, are a person of color, are gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender, or for a variety of other reasons.
After years of not knowing where to refer people who want an open-ended place to make Jewish connections, I decided to pursue my passion and start such a place myself! I founded Jewish Gateways in June 2006. I'm excited about reaching out and offering our hospitality to Jews, their family members, and others interested in Judaism. My mission is to get to know those of you who contact Jewish Gateways, to learn what you're looking for, and to help you take whatever next steps you'd like to in learning about Judaism and connecting to Jewish life and community.
I was born in New York City and raised on Long Island. What I knew about Judaism is that we had days off from school for mysterious Jewish holidays. I was always drawn to the traditions of Judaism, but felt like an outsider. When my husband and I were expecting our first child, we chose her guardians because they were wonderful friends and were devoted to their faith, Judaism. I began to take classes and attend Shabbat dinners at their home. I read Jewish books and even met with a rabbi or two. I still didn’t know how to take next steps in exploring Judaism. Would I be accepted? Would I embarrass myself at services? In which branch of Judaism would I feel at home? How would I teach my child? Could I be happy in an interfaith marriage?
It was then that I found Jewish Gateways. We attended the Shabbat dinners, and my family felt welcome. Then, my husband and I joined Jewish Gateways' “My Jewish Journey” group, where we learned more and explored our next steps along with other Jews and non-Jews. I learned and experienced answers to my questions, and eventually decided to convert. Jewish Gateways helped me find a rabbi and synagogue that worked for my family. I am now very involved in my synagogue and my daughter’s religious school, and she and I are Jewish! I am honored to work at Jewish Gateways. It gives me great joy to help other people learn about Judaism.