When Jennifer Gertman was growing up in suburban Cleveland, she spent a lot of time in synagogue -- going to Sunday school and Hebrew school and just waiting for Mom, who is a cantor, to be through with work. Becoming a rabbi was not a childhood aspiration -- "I played teacher like everyone else" -- but in July, she started her first full-time job as a rabbi at Temple Israel in Uptown Minneapolis.

In college, she majored in comparative religion with a history minor, taking classes "in everything but Judaism," Gertman said. "Religion is a huge part of how the world works. Understanding religion helps in understanding how the world works." As she reflected on career choices, she realized that her passions -- teaching, counseling, helping people in need and being Jewish -- could all come together in the vocation of rabbi.

After taking a year off to teach students with learning disabilities at a Jewish day school, Gertman undertook the five years of study required to be a rabbi. Then she spent a year getting a master's degree in education to acquire the knowledge of curriculum development and learning theory needed to be an effective teacher.

Her previous experience with the Twin Cities consisted of two weekend visits at ages 6 and 12. "I had no idea what to expect," Gertman said. "I think it's great. It's beautiful and there's lots to do -- the Guthrie, the opera, the lakes, the Sculpture Garden, great food." She also feels lucky to have "fabulous mentors" at one of the largest Reform congregations in the world. "I'm trying to take full advantage of learning everything I can here," she said.

I help people live a Jewish life. I spend a lot of time teaching -- high school students, confirmation, introduction to Judaism. I teach Torah, lead and participate in prayer and lifecycle events such as bar and bat mitzvahs, weddings and funerals. I visit the sick.

A rabbi is really a teacher -- someone who has an expertise in Jewish laws and customs. I'm not an intermediary, I'm not someone closer to God than anyone else. In Judaism, everyone has their own relationship with God.