10 Questions for Rabbi Oren J. Postrel of Congregation Beth Sholom
By JENNIFER HUFFMAN Register Business Writer | Posted: Wednesday, February 3, 2010 12:00 am
Rabbi Oren Postrel had two childhood ambitions: to become a rabbi or a ballet dancer.
“I did both,” he said. From age 16 to 24, Postrel trained and performed with, among others, Robert Joffrey, the Boston Ballet and the Oakland Ballet.
But his plan to become a professional dancer would soon change.
“I realized that I couldn’t completely let go of my intellectual pursuit and my religious background,” he said. Enrolling in undergraduate school in Berkeley , Postrel eventually earned a graduate degree from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York City . He became a rabbi in 1993.
Do dance and his work as a rabbi have certain parallels? Yes, said Postrel. “Focus, discipline and a very high standard.”
Which three people would you most like to have dinner with?
Mikhail Baryshnikov, (poet and writer) Robert Pinsky, President Obama.
Which religious leader do you most admire?
The late Rabbi Alan Lew of San Francisco , who brought together rigorous Jewish life and study and a contemplative practice and made it approachable for all kinds of people. It’s what I like to do, too.
What is one thing you hope to accomplish in your lifetime that you haven’t yet?
Contribute to the peace process in the Middle East through international non-governmental organizations such as the United Nations and Rabbis for Human Rights. It is the hinge for so much in the world today.
What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
I can prepare a full Japanese meal (using) all five traditional techniques of that cuisine. Growing up in San Francisco , I developed an affection for Japanese food.
What is the biggest challenge your congregation has faced?
Affiliation with the Union for Reform Judaism, and accepting all the changes that have come with it. Since there are so many different types of Jews in Napa , coming to an agreement is tough.
How many other rabbis are there in Napa ?
There is one other rabbi and he is from the Hassidic Orthodox branch of Judaism.
What is one of your more memorable projects or events?
Creating a bat mitzvah ceremony (for) about nine women who were more than 90 years old in a nursing home and using walkers. They wanted to reclaim their Jewish identity by reading from the Torah. I facilitated that and officiated at the bat mitzvah. Very Mel Brooks.
What is a common misconception you find people have about being a rabbi?
That all rabbis are traditional Jews. That all rabbis practice Judaism in an orthodox fashion. Rabbis have liberal Jewish practices and liberal Jewish politics as well.
Do you still do any dance?
I do yoga and meditation. We offer yoga at the synagogue.
What other business person(s) would you like to see featured in “10 Questions?”
Pastor Julie Webb, Napa Valley Lutheran Church .
Gwyneth McKay Baron, Gwyneth McKay Baron Designs.
Rev. Bonnie Dlott, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of North Bay .
Holly Finkelstein, Judd’s Hill Winery.
More from Oren J. Postrel
If you could be anywhere right now, where would you be?
In a traditional tub in Kyoto .
I can’t live without: Japanese or Italian food.
What’s on your to-do list?
Learn Arabic and Japanese. And improve my Italian. Travel to new places in locations I’ve been already: more Italy and France . I would love to see Japan for the first time.
What’s your favorite gift to give?
To only a few, the novel “The Golden Gate,” in verse, by Vikram Seth.
What is your favorite charity?
The New Israel Fund.
What job would you like to try/not try?
Try: I’d like to be a winemaker or architect.
Not try: Professional football coach.
What was your first job?
Stocker in a shoe store in San Bruno .
What’s the worst job you ever had?
Dishwasher at the Seagull Café at Greenwich and Fillmore streets in San Francisco .
How can people learn more about Judaism or dispel common misconceptions of traditionalism?
Take a course on basic Judaism I offer. It opens up the ideas of what Jews believe and don’t believe.
