Rabbi Matzkin ยป Bio
In Rabbi Laurie Matzkin’s Bay Area childhood home, her family held hands around the table to sing “The HaMotzi” melody every night at the start of dinner. Growing up in the Reform movement gave Rabbi Matzkin a love of prayer, creative ritual and outdoor spirituality, and a strong commitment to social justice.
After studying Music and Jewish Studies at Indiana University, Rabbi Matzkin spent two years working for Hillel of Philadelphia engaging hundreds of students across the city. Since returning to California in 2003, Rabbi Matzkin has taught all ages across the Jewish community, including at religious schools, high school programs, camps, retreats, Israel trips, and conversion programs. She received Rabbinic Ordination ("smicha") from the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies, at the American Jewish University (formerly University of Judaism) in May 2009.
Earning a Masters Degree in Jewish Experiential Education helped Rabbi Matzkin look at life’s interesting moments through an educator’s perspective. In 2007, she co-founded Minyan Malei Shirah, an egalitarian, highly musical and spiritual Friday night Shabbat experience in Los Angeles. Rabbi Matzkin has played the flute for over 20 years, and writes niggunim for special occasions. She also loves playing with “Jewish jam bands.” In her (free??) time, Rabbi Matzkin relishes yoga, farmers markets, classical music, and exploring the outdoors. She is very excited to continue sharing life and Torah with the Kol Emeth family!
