Anna Calamaro ‘23

Anna Calamaro (she/her) is a rabbinical student at Hebrew Union College, class of 2023. A Chicago native, Anna completed her undergraduate studies in 2014 at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana campus, in Jewish Studies. She worked for four years for Metro Chicago Hillel as Director of Engagement and Jewish Life, serving students on college campuses throughout the city. In 2018, Anna received her Master’s Degree in Jewish Experiential Education from Hebrew College. Anna’s previous rabbinical internships have included being a T’ruah Summer 2021 Fellow, Jeremiah Summer 2020 Fellow, Congregation Shir Ami in San Francisco, Congregation Or Ami in Calabasas, and two years as a JDC-Weitzman Fellow. Anna will serve as the rabbinic intern for Congregation Hakafa in Chicago in her final year of rabbinical school. Anna’s rabbinate is rooted in her commitment to tikkun olam, community building, inclusivity, dialogue, and innovation.

What do you love about HUC-JIR?
I love that HUC-JIR has provided me with countless opportunities to merge all of my passions together in a way that is both meaningful and innovative. 

What is most rewarding about your HUC-JIR program?
Two things: 1) Growing alongside your peers over the course of five years is such a beautiful and supportive experience. Exploring, learning, and navigating situations and challenges together as one group is so empowering. And 2) The faculty in LA are nothing short of amazing. Building relationships with faculty members and feeling nonstop support and encouragement from them has been key.

What does HUC-JIR mean to you?
For me, HUC-JIR is a family of supportive, innovative individuals who encourage growth, exploration, and a generation of confident Jewish future leaders.