Rabbi Zach Shapiro ’97, D.D. ’22

My first student pulpit was in Ishpeming, Michigan, in 1993. My predecessor, Toby Manewith, had served the congregation for two years. When I got off the plane for my first visit, the president of the congregation and her four-year-old daughter were waiting to greet me. The little girl whispered something to her mother, causing the president to erupt in laughter.

The president then shared, “My daughter told me ‘I didn’t know boys could be rabbis.’” Here’s to harnessing tradition, embracing change, and allowing heaven to blossom in the process. Were it not for the trailblazers in those years, I could never be the rabbi I am today!