Welcome home, Rabbi Israel | Gilroy Dispatch | Gilroy, California

Welcome home, Rabbi Israel | Gilroy Dispatch | Gilroy, California

In 2006, Congregation Emeth in Morgan Hill welcomed Debbie Israel as a part-time student rabbi from the Academy for Jewish Religion in Southern California. When she was ordained, the Jewish temple’s Board of Directors enthusiastically invited her to become their permanent rabbi. Over the next 13 years, Rabbi Israel helped Congregation Emeth flourish, guiding the community as it grew from just over 30 families to nearly 100. She embraced the dive…