IFR Rabbi Dr. David Rabeeya

             Rabbi Dr. David Rabeeya's newsletter WORD document

                      Rabbi Dr. David Rabeeya's CD Haunting Melodies Speak at Last "Imploring the Holy Being For Guidance"

Dr. Rabeeya recently retired after 33 years as a lecturer in the department of Hebrew and Judaic Studies at Bryn Mawr College. He taught elementary, intermediate, and advanced Hebrew.

He received his B.A. from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, his M.A. from Tel-Aviv University, and his Ph.D. from the Dropsie University in Philadelphia. He is an author of 19 books in Hebrew and English which include literary, historical, and sociological writings as well as voluminous published articles on various Jewish and non-Jewish themes.

Dr. Rabeeya is an ordained rabbi for the unaffiliated. He has given many lectures nationwide on comparative religious studies and is considered an expert on the cultures and languages of the Middle East.

Rabbi David Rabeeya may be reached at: sephardici@aol.com

The search for meaning in individual life is a continuous process which demands both constant self-examination as well as intellectual development through study and learning. Emotional and intellectual nourishment can partly offer a rationale for our existence on earth. After forty years of teaching Judaic Studies at elementary, high school, and college levels, as well as courses in adult education, I began the process of preparation toward my rabbinic degree.

My academic discipline in the areas of Hebrew language and literature, Jewish history, and religion at undergraduate and graduate levels as well as my long commitment and devotion to prepare informed students in those areas have enriched me spiritually; not only on an academic level but also on a human level. Thousands of my students have heard my voice in formal classes and personal discussions, in temples, synagogues and churches throughout America and Israel.

As a Sephardic Jew, born in Baghdad, Iraq, I am proud of my unique religious and cultural heritage. I was able, through years of learning and teaching, to bring my unique perspective of Jewish heritage into the lives of many individuals and groups. My unique Judeo-Arabic cultural milieu has resulted in tolerance, understanding, and sympathy toward the sacred right of each individual as well as an uncompromising opposition to racism, sexism, homophobia, and anti-Semitism.

In addition, my Sephardic heritage brought me into contact with many Muslim and Christian Communities to form a dialogue of equals between all monotheistic religions. My study of other faiths and practices (Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Shinto, and others) has enriched me tremendously and assisted me in establishing respected and reverence to all religions. Irrational, misinformed, and prejudicial concepts have to be removed from our common human dictionary.

My experience as a minority member of the Jewish community worldwide brought me to appreciate the cultural, religious, social and psychological challenges presented to me by growing up and living in three rich cultures (Iraq, Israel, America). These incredible challenges have strengthened my determination to utilize my personal pain, difficulties, tragedies, and victories to assist others in their human journey. The aforementioned experiences alone could not but assist me in doing so, and concluded with progressive thoughts and attitudes toward people of different ethnic, racial, cultural, religious, and sexual orientation.

My life is now taking yet another new spiritual direction, after intensive study in the seminary, I received my ordination (Semicha) from Rabbi Joseph H. Gelberman, Ph.D., the president of The New Seminary, The Modern Rabbi Program, together with Roger Ross and Rabbi Bogage. Now I accept the title of Rabbi with great humility and reverence, and I wish to share this wonderful moment of joy with my vast family here and in Israel, and my friends, colleagues and students. I wish to share this joyous news with you in order to celebrate life despite its many unexpected deviations. May God bless all people with health, spirituality and strength.

Shalom,
With Love and Light,

Rabbi David Rabeeya, Ph.D.