Rabbinical Students Enrich Communities During High Holy Days Around the Globe

Rabbinical student Rebeca Orantes at Temple Libertad in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The High Holy Days are a time for reflection, renewal, and connection—and for three Hebrew Union College rabbinical students, in particular the Days of Awe became opportunities to bring creativity and leadership to diverse communities.

Rebeca Orantes, a third-year rabbinical student, traveled to Buenos Aires, Argentina, to serve at the historic Templo Libertad under the mentorship of Rabbi Sergio Bergman. Lizzie Frankel brought her vision to Yom Kippur services at the Denver Botanic Gardens with Judaism Your Way as part of her rabbinic internship. Meanwhile, Ethan Blake launched “16 Cubits,” a sustainable Sukkot design competition, encouraging innovative and eco-friendly approaches to this ancient Jewish tradition.

From leading services in vibrant global communities to inspiring environmental stewardship through Jewish ritual, these students exemplify how HUC’s rabbinical program empowers future leaders to make a meaningful impact. Whether in Argentina, Colorado, or through virtual collaboration, Rebeca, Lizzie, and Ethan have embraced the High Holy Days as a chance to build bridges between tradition, innovation, and the communities they serve. Their experiences demonstrate the boundless opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute as they prepare for a lifetime of leadership in Jewish life.

Rabbinical student Lizzie Frankel at Yom Kippur at the Denver Botanic Gardens, surrounded by nature and 2,000 community members. She co-led the morning service where she got to chant from the Torah.

Their stories highlight the transformative potential of these experiences—not just the impact on their local communities, but for their own growth as future leaders. Rebeca Orantes shares how her time at Templo Libertad deepened her connection to her rabbinic path and the global Jewish community:

“Serving at Templo Libertad changed my life. I had the honor of helping enrich High Holy Day services under the guidance and mentorship of Rabbi Sergio Bergman, president of the World Union for Progressive Judaism, and the incredible local lay leadership team.

Templo Libertad has stood since the late 19th century, and standing before this historic congregation as a member of a new generation of rabbinical students was truly moving and a dream come true.

Rabbinical student Rebeca Orantes co-leads High Holy Days services at Templo Libertad.

As a Latin American Jew, I cannot fully express the joy of applying what I’ve learned at HUC in my native Spanish. I was able to explore my rabbinic vocation within a culture similar to my own, enjoying the creative freedom that came with it.

These pictures capture the solemnity, vibrancy, and warmth of the community, but beyond that, they reflect its strength and presence it holds within Argentinian Jewish society.

I encourage my colleagues to engage with global Jewry beyond educational trips or tourism and make it part of their professional growth when possible. Hebrew Union College students and alumni have so much to offer the Jewish world and, likewise, North American Judaism can benefit from the beauty the rest of the diaspora radiates.

Thank you HUC and World Union for Progressive Judaism for making this trip happen. This collaboration offers students’ opportunities to build their rabbinate abroad, learn new skills, help our global movement, and create bridges of unity and support. Special thanks to Fundacion Judaica for coordinating my visit and for making me feel part of their familia; thank you for taking care of me and for the opportunity.”

See more High Holy Days across the world from Rebeca, Lizzie, and Ethan: