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Photo by Ben Harmon At Elizabeth Richman's Hebrew High School Graduation 14 years ago, her rabbi praised her d'var Torah, jokingly predicting that she would become either attorney general of New Jersey or a rabbi. At the time, Richman didn't see the connection between the two. But eventually she came to understand that both roles involve questioning, communication, social justice and learning—and were, as predicted, viable career choices. After one year in law school, however, she decided that the rabbinate would be a better fit, and so she set out to clarify her beliefs and ideas.
Coveted Wexner Fellowships—providing full tuition and fees, a stipend for living expenses, mentoring opportunities and a national network of fellows—are awarded to exceptional students between the ages of 20 and 40 embarking on graduate work in Jewish education, Jewish communal service, the rabbinate, the cantorate and Jewish studies. (This June, valedictorian Allison Cook received her MAJS and became the College's first Wexner Fellow to graduate.) A qualified student may be awarded a Wexner Fellowship only after she has been accepted to a degree program. If her chosen program is a new one, it must first go through a qualification process. In Hebrew College's case, the Wexner Foundation approved the Rabbinical School in just a year. "We feel honored and excited that the Wexner Foundation has recognized the quality of education and leadership that we're offering to our students," says Rabbi Carol Glass, dean of students for the Rabbinical School. "We're very proud of this, and of Elizabeth—an extremely thoughtful, bright and humble person." Richman is one of 14 students in year one of the Rabbinical School program. Twelve students are enrolled in year two, and an additional student is in the Mekhinah (preparatory) year, bringing total enrollment to 27. |
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This fall, taking a major step toward realizing her destiny, the Princeton University graduate entered her first year at the