Shalom!
I am a Canadian-born, Ontario-based Rabbi,
with over 20 years of experience in Jewish education, lifecycle officiation and congregational leadership in Canada, the U.S. and South Africa.
More importantly, I am a human being – doing my best to live a life of meaning. I have spent my rabbinate sharing my journey authentically with others, helping to connect the teachings, traditions and values of Judaism to the sacred and messy moments of our lives.
Now living and working in Barrie, Ontario, as the Spiritual Leader of Am Shalom Congregation, I am also extending my rabbinate beyond the synagogue walls, to support and celebrate with those on the fringes of the Jewish community – in the peaks and valleys of their lives – ensuring that anyone who is seeking meaning has access to Jewish rituals and spiritual care.
LET'S KEEP IN TOUCH
I look forward to connecting with you!
Sacred Moments
Looking for a rabbi to facilitate your upcoming lifecycle event? If you’re looking for a rabbi for your wedding, B-Mitvah, Bris, Baby Naming, Funeral, Consecration or Memorial, it would be my honor to guide you and your loved ones though the sacred and meaningful Jewish traditions.
Sacred Writings
I access and experience Judaism most profoundly through music and prayer, through engaging in acts of repair and social justice, as well as through learning and teaching Torah, and reflecting on life and spirituality through sacred writings.
“The Rabbi must have words when there are no words, in the moment when the siren still rings in your ear, or when standing at the lip of a grave, or as the newborn baby screams his way into the world, or, speaking of the world, when our world all comes crashing down, and all that’s left are the wounds.
There needs to be words, not to heal but to name the pain which in turn breaks the silence, unleashing a floodgate. So when we sit, knees on the floor, palms open to the heavens, we wait for words that are supposed to open a door, letting us grieve, rage, rejoice, remember.
But the rabbi is oh so human, just as broken and betrayed as the rest of us. In her words, these words we all know, are just trying their best to hold you in her arms, to quiet your breath, and tell you two truths:
Nothing will be okay, and you will not have to do this alone.”
-Miriam Turlinchamp
Testimonials
Thank you for being a formidable force both in the shul and the process of my conversion. You have an innate ability to both strength and gentleness, both discipline and kindness, all the while ensuring growth on our path toward Hashem – in other words, a true leader.
Thank you for helping me with Kaddish for my mom. I know how proud she would have been of me and how much this means to my family
Despite the challenges of COVID-19, you successfully moved the shul from a physical to an online community, ensuring that the education, spirituality and care that make our shul outstanding, continued right through the year
Thank you so so so much for all of your time, teaching and support as you’ve sponsored me through my Jewish journey
Thank you for your mentorship, guidance, teachings, your welcoming presence, and much more!
I couldn’t imagine someone I’d trust more with the formal Jewish education of my children
Rabbi Emma, you have been a steadying and deeply positive force for our community
Thank you for your kindness, wisdom and patience
We love your soul and passion!