R. Elyse Wechterman

From transaction to covenant: Rethinking clergy-congregation contract negotiations As the High Holy Days recede into memory and Jewish communities return to a “normal” schedule, many congregational leaders become aware of impending deadlines for renegotiating and renewing the employ...

What if clergy contracts weren't just transactions, but sacred covenants?

New piece in eJewish Philanthropy: "From Transaction to Covenant"

The Jewish model is brit (covenant). Mutual investment, not bargaining.

Honored to join an incredible lineup this Sunday celebrating Reb Arthur Waskow's 92nd birthday + launching his TWO new books (written since turning 90! 📚✨)

Deep conversation and beautiful music with amazing teachers.

Sunday Oct 12 | 6:30pm ET | Zoom Register + preorder: theshalomcenter.org/92books

Being clergy is messy. You don't have to do it alone.

13 years pulpit rabbi + decade supporting clergy = I get it.

Coaching for problem-solving, conflict resolution, contracts, mission reclaiming.

✨ DM me. Let's talk. ✨

#ClergyCoaching #RabbiSupport

After 25 years & hundreds of lifecycle ceremonies, I'm still amazed by how unique every family is. The Jewish tradition gives us a rich framework for life's sacred moments - but every ceremony should reflect who YOU are.

Ready to make your moment sacred? Let's connect 🕊️ Reach out via RabbiElyse.com

Check out my latest blog post on my substack: elysewechterman.substack.com/p/this-budge...

What I particularly appreciate about Elyse's support is her ability to be lovingly direct - offering no-nonsense guidance with deep care and respect."

Being clergy is hard. You don't have to do it alone.

Clergy coaching with 13 years pulpit experience. Let's talk: www.rabbielyse.com

a poster that says happy juneteenth and celebrate freedom on it ALT: a poster that says happy juneteenth and celebrate freedom on it

Happy Juneteenth

I wholeheartedly reject the notion, stated or implied in words or in actions, that we need to delay or abandon our commitment to racial justice because of the need to also fight for justice and dignity for other marginalized identities at this scary and terrible time.

hardest lesson: ego needs vs relational health
sometimes the most radical act is stepping back so others can step forward 💫
what serves the relationship > what serves just me
read more: evolve.reconstructingjudaism.org/creating-cov...

parenting taught me: power is most sacred when held with humility

"the greatest gift we can give our children is our own humility"

humble authority = healthiest authority 💫

read more: evolve.reconstructingjudaism.org/creating-cov...

YouTube video by CNN 'Weakness masquerading as strength': Hear Newsom's blistering speech on Trump as LA protests persist

Truth

The popo pepper sprayed a sin bather in a a Georges Seurat painting

LAPD out there like

Some Notes on the City of Angels and the Nature of Violence I think maybe it's begun, the bigger fiercer backlash against the Trump Administration which is itself a violent backlash against every good thing that's happened over the past several decades – the a...

"I believe ardently that nonviolent resistance is in the big picture and the long term the most effective strategy, but that doesn't mean it must be polite, placid, or please our opponents, not least because nothing ever will and they'll lie and distort no matter what." Rebecca Solnit

No, I’m Not F—ing Inured to This! When an authoritarian's minions deny the legitimacy of judges, it's not the same old Trump bullshit.

No, I’m Not F—ing Inured to This!
Nail on the head - thanks Jay.

Creating Covenantal Communities - Evolve By its very nature, a covenant between individuals limits what each individual party can do.

what if the deepest freedom comes through sacred limitation? 🤔

read more: evolve.reconstructingjudaism.org/creating-cov...

been thinking about how real relationship requires voluntary self-limitation 🧵

choosing covenant = choosing to limit our desires for something greater. whether marriage, family, community - it's countercultural but maybe that's the point?

There's nothing more meaningful than helping couples create a wedding ceremony that truly reflects their love story. Every couple deserves a wedding that feels complete & authentically theirs. Need help crafting a ceremony that feels uniquely you? Reach out to me here: www.rabbielyse.com/contact

The People's Neighborhood Protest - Abington · Indivisible Greater Jenkintown The People's Neighborhood Protest: Abington Thursday, May 29th from 5-7 pm, 1475 Old York Road (Parking lot in front of District Taco) Co-Sponsored by Abington for Peace and Indivisible Greater Jenki...

I'm attending Indivisible Greater Jenkintown's event, “The People's Neighborhood Protest - Abington” - sign up now to join me! www.mobilize.us/indivisibleg...

Being clergy is hard—and beautiful. In my 13 years as a pulpit rabbi and decade supporting fellow rabbis, I've learned we all need someone in our corner.

You've dedicated your life to supporting others. Who's supporting you?

Learn about my clergy coaching at www.rabbielyse.com/services/cle...

Since January 20, it feels like we’re drowning in outrage. That’s by design.

Read my latest post on Substack, "Building Sustainable Resistance," for tips on maintaining our spirit, our energy, and our commitment as the months and years pass: elysewechterman.substack.com/p/building-s...

YouTube video by Bruce Springsteen Land of Hope and Dreams

The Boss, truth to power

Your wedding day should reflect your unique love story. With hundreds of ceremonies behind me, I know no two couples are alike. I'll take time to know you and share Jewish wisdom that resonates with your values. Ready to create a wedding day that truly speaks to your heart? rabbielyse.com

May 7, 2025 Alarm appears to be rising about how the “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) is consolidating data about Americans.

I've seen this movie. It doesn't end well for humans.

Musk must be stoped.

Some Good News: It’s Working Last night, I wrote to you about Ed Martin, Trump’s nominee to be the United States Attorney in Washington, D.C..

"If you’ve been questioning whether what you’re doing matters, it does. The signs you make, the protests you go to, the letters and calls you make to elected officials, your efforts to share information with people—all of these efforts matter. It all adds up...." Joyce Vance

What the new kind of hell is this?

#wethepeoplewednesdays

Mt. Airy rocks against tyranny every Wednesday 4pm Allen's Lane Train Station

Get loud here!

✅ Did you already call your Senators and Rep today? Good job!

🚀 Fire up your socials w/ customizable posts to your electeds:

👉 To vote yes/no
✊ Tell ‘em why it matters to you
👏Thank them or🔥 urge ‘em to fight!

#PleaseGrowASpine #PGAS #CallYourSenator #CallYourRep app.sosha.ai/s/3iBTBaSZ

Action 84 (April 28): Make Art!

I make art to calm down, to get out of my head, to express something, to avoid something, to distract me while I am working through a problem, to add beauty in an increasingly ugly world.

elysewechterman.substack.com/p/make-art

Activists After Hours · Indivisible Greater Jenkintown The best way to fight autocracy is in community. Join us for happy hour and nosh, and meet your activist neighbors at a festive location in Elkins Park. Location will be sent upon registration. Lig...

Local friends and activists - Indivisible of Greater Jenkintown invited you for a social gathering. Join us!

Its Spring - Get out in the Neighborhood Action 83 - April 27

Action 83 (April 27): Its Spring - Get out in the Neighborhood!

This is the season of fairs and festivals. Find the ones near you.

elysewechterman.substack.com/p/its-spring...