Sarah Rosenbaum Jones

Sarah's passions for education, children, and Judaism lend themselves to a fulfilling career as the Education Director at Congregation Or Shalom in Vernon Hills. Through her years serving congregations large and small around the country and beyond, Sarah has discovered that building Jewish community through experiential learning is her calling.    

"I grew up surrounded by caring Jewish adults who influenced the trajectory of my life for the better. Now, I get to be one of those adults for the children at Or Shalom," said Sarah, who strives to create a culture of care and belonging that encourages families to feel comfortable however they participate in synagogue life.   

Ordained as a rabbi in 2020 from Hebrew Union College, Sarah is a member of the Chicago Area Reform Jewish Educators, Chicago Area Reform Rabbis, and the Women's Rabbinic Network. During the summer, she also serves on the faculty of Camp OSRUI.   

As the mother of two premature babies who had significant NICU stays, Sarah and her spouse donate regularly to the Jackson Chance Foundation, which provides complimentary parking for families with babies in the NICU, and Hasidah, which supports members of the Jewish community coping with infertility. 

AGE:
35

PRONOUNS:
she/her/hers

PRIMARY GIG:
Director of Education at Congregation Or Shalom

ON THE SIDE:
Mom to 4-year-old Adira and 6-month-old Liana

DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN 10 WORDS OR LESS:
Rabbi Educator with dreams to build a better world.

A JEW WHO INSPIRES YOU:
Sally Priesand, the first woman to be ordained as a rabbi. I recently got to spend 3 days with Rabbi Priesand at the Women's Rabbinic Network Conference. While I felt like I was in the presence of a celebrity all week, she continues to be profoundly humble.

IF TIME AND MONEY WERE LIMITLESS, I WOULD:
Ensure that every person has enough nutritious food to eat to feel like their best self.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE THE COMMUNITY TO KNOW ABOUT YOU:
Challah is my love language! I try to bake with my older daughter most Fridays and share a loaf with a friend or neighbor.