Rabbi Naama Dafni Kellen is a leader who sees two communities in front of her.

“I am trying to be a rabbi for those people who make it into our building – a rabbi for now. And, at the same time, I need to be a rabbi for all those people who have yet to make it into our synagogue – a rabbi for the future.”

Newly appointed to her congregation Or Hadash, centrally located within the bustling and diverse city of Haifa, Rabbi Dafni Kellen is excited by the opportunities she sees before her. “We reach a tiny percentage of our available market with the present model of the synagogue. We need to ask basic questions like – “Why would an Israeli want to be a part of my community? What conversations can we give them that they are not already getting in the larger society?”

While there are no simple answers to these important questions, Rabbi Naama believes people will seek communities that allow them to actualize their deeply held values in the world.

Rabbi Dafni Kellen is gently nudging people away from being passive spectators to their Judaism and engaging them in becoming active explorers and shapers of their spiritual lives.

Rabbi Dafni Kellen seeks to make Or Hadash a joyful place where people can develop and explore their Jewish identities. Whether it is a ‘Theology Beit Midrash,’ study trips to Jordan, a community garden or other hands-on experiences, she is gently nudging people away from being passive spectators to their Judaism and engaging them in becoming active explorers and shapers of their spiritual lives.

Rabbi Dafni Kellen wants to challenge people and Judaism itself. “We need to ask more of people and even demand more from our Judaism.” This includes asking more of rabbis themselves. At Or Hadash, Rabbi Dafni Kellen pushes herself to creatively employ the arts, music, culture and immersive experiences to make Judaism joyful and meaningful.

“We must have the courage to try and sometimes fail.”