Welcoming the Fall 2026 Virtual Pathway Rabbinical Students
August 2026
91 is excited to welcome 17 rabbinical students this fall to the Virtual Pathway. With its third cohort, the Virtual Pathway continues to broaden access to rabbinical education for students whose lives, careers, and communities require them to remain where they are while pursuing the rabbinate.
This newest cohort, the largest to date, brings together experienced educators, military veterans, entrepreneurs, artists, attorneys, and community builders from across the United States, each responding to a unique call to Jewish leadership.
With these incoming students, the Virtual Pathway grows to 40 rabbinical students across three cohorts. The new class will gather at an In Person Intensive on the Cincinnati campus from August 16–19, 2026, studying with the College’s distinguished faculty and building the relationships that will support them on their shared journey to the rabbinate.
To learn more about the Virtual Pathway toward rabbinic ordination,visit our website.
Meet the Students
Rebecca Charhon
Current Home:Queensbury, NY
RebeccaCharhon’slife has long been rooted inher Jewishfaith. Her earliest memories include Shabbat dinners with family, twirling her father’stzizitin synagogue, helping her mother prepare kiddush meals, singing Hanukkah songs, and celebrating Passover seders with loved ones. Raised in a Conservative synagogue and educated at the Hebrew Academy in Albany, NY, she developed a lifelong love of Jewish education, Torah, and Hebrew. In her early twenties, while working for Hillel, she discovered Reform Judaism and Debbie Friedman’s music, deepening her connection to the movement.
After joining Temple Beth El,Charhon’sinvolvement grew from choir member to teacher to School Director in 2017, while also serving as a temple leader and Ritual Committee Chair. In 2022, she became Education Director at Israel Congregation of Manchester,VT,while pursuinghermaster’s in Jewish education.
Paul Dorman
Current Home:Fort Worth, TX
After more than20years serving the Jewish community as a cantor, Paul hasaccompaniedindividuals and families through life’s most meaningful moments—from celebrations and life-cycle events to pastoral care, worship, and Jewish learning. These experiences have deepened his love of Jewish life and inspired him to pursue rabbinic ordination as a natural continuation of his journey. Rather than leaving behind his identity as a cantor, he sees therabbinate asbuilding upon it.
Cantor Dormanseeksto serve more fully in every dimension of congregational life through teaching, pastoral care, vision-setting, and communal leadership. He believes rabbinical study will complement the practical wisdom gained through decades in the pulpit, expanding his ability to inspire and guide others. He hopes the combination of a cantor’s heart and a rabbi’s training will help people connect more deeply to Judaism, one another, and God.
Cantor Dormanhas served congregations in Fort Worth and Los Angeles, works closely with the Jewish Federation of Tarrant County on community-wide programs and services, and has receivednumerousawards recognizing his leadership, education, and service.
David Fisher
Current Home: Washington, D.C.
DavidFisheris an educator whose career has spanned public service, curriculum design, and data science, and who nowseeksto serve the Jewish community full-time through the rabbinate. Most recently, as a district administrator for Boston Public Schools, heled a citywide initiative to improve data use for student equity, after consulting with the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program on data-driven strategy.The throughline of his work — education as a vehicle for social change — draws him toward rabbinical leadership in the Jewish world.
Throughout his career in education leadership,Fisherhasmaintaineddeep connections to the Jewish community.A graduate of Stanford University Graduate School of Education and Oberlin College,Fisherbegan his professional journey by founding an interreligious education organization, earning recognition as a Dalai Lama Fellow. As a rabbinical student, he is particularly interested in pluralistic Jewish learning and supporting young Jewish parents. He is developing classes with Washington Hebrew Congregation, helps lead services at DC Minyan, and enjoysspending time outside with family or insidereading, cooking, and creating homemade ice cream and bagels.
Stacey Glazer
Current Home:Austin, TX
StaceyGlazeris an experienced Jewish educator, theater artist, and community leader who is thrilled to begin her rabbinical studies. Since 2009, she has taught Jewish studies, Hebrew, andtefillahat congregations in Texas, served as interim education director at a congregation in Florida, and held leadership roles with United Synagogue Youth andNewCAJE. This summer, she launched a new theater program at Camp Young Judea in Wimberley,TX, with the goal of expanding it into a year-round Jewish theater program.
Committed to lifelong learning,Glazerhas pursued professional development throughnumerousJewish educational organizations and continues to explore creative approaches to Jewish engagement.She has done programs with theiCenter, The Jewish Studio Project, For the Sake of Argument, The Torah Studio, and more.Outside of her professional work, she enjoys Krav Maga, painting, writing feminist and Jewish poetry, directing Jewish-themed theater, and spending time with her husband and theirseven cats.
Megan(Gabrielle) Hoffman
Current Home:Corydon, IN
Before beginning rabbinical studies at 91, GabrielleHoffmanbuilt a career in human resources, eventually serving as a Human Resources Manager before founding her own business.Throughout her professional life, she developed skills in leadership, relationship-building, conflict resolution, and organizational management that continue to inform her approach to community service and Jewish leadership.
Originally from Jeffersonville,IN, and now living in Corydon with her husband and two children,Hoffmanbegan her formal conversion journey in 2023 and became Jewish in 2024. Drawn to Judaism’s commitment to learning, community, and sacred questioning, she quickly became deeply involved at Congregation Adath Israel Brith Sholom in Louisville, where she teaches religious school and Hebrew, serves on the Caring Committee, co-chairs the Personnel Committee, and is a member of Women of Reform Judaism. In 2025, sheparticipatedin a Birthright Israel volunteer program supporting communities affected by the October 7 attacks. Passionate about Jewish learning, education, and community building,Hoffmanhopes to become a congregational rabbi, helping others discover the sacred in everyday life.
Jessica(Jesi) Jessen
Current Home:San Jose, CA
JesiJessenhas long been driven by curiosity about the existential and spiritual. From an early fascination with biblical narratives and Greek mythology, their interests grew to encompass philosophy, literature, theater, and poetry. As an undergraduate, they designed an interdisciplinary course of study exploring philosophical questions through the arts, later earning a doctorate in philosophy with a dissertation on Ariadne in Nietzschean thought. They have taught philosophy and literature, primarily at DePaul University, where favorite courses included Existentialism and Philosophy & God.
Jessenviews rabbinical study as a natural deepening of their artistic and philosophical pursuits, answering a longstanding call toward lived faith. They are especially interested in Jewish art and poetry, feminist mysticism, and close study of biblical texts such as Ruth, Job, and Song of Songs. A member of the LGBTQ support group at Temple Emanu-El in San Jose,Jessenalso enjoys researching ancient Near Eastern and English history and continues to write poetry and theater.
KeSean(Sean) Johnson
Current Home:Baltimore, MD
SeanJohnsongrew up in Chicago, ILin a deeply spiritual family where conversations about the Divine, sacred texts, and faith were part of daily life. Encouraged by his mother and great-grandfather, a Southern Baptist deacon, he developed a lifelong commitment to spiritual exploration and learning. After serving in the U.S. Army, including a deployment to Iraq, he continued searching for a deeper understanding of faith and purpose. In 2020,Johnsonand his family formally converted to Judaism after years of study and participation in Jewish life.
An Emmy Award-winning communications professional with degrees in digital cinematography and entertainment business,Johnsonis pursuing rabbinical ordination to help translate sacred wisdom into language people can apply to their lives. He hopes toaccompanyothers through joy, grief, doubt, and growth while strengthening their connection to Torah, community, and the Divine. He also serves in leadership roles with several Jewish andveterans’organizations, reflecting his commitment to service and community building.
Jonathan Kabiri
Current Home:Tarrytown, NY
JonathanKabiriis pursuing rabbinical studies afternearly adecade in senior leadership at Seeds of Peace, an international organization that brings together young people and community leaders from regions of conflict to develop leadership skills, build relationships across divides, and work toward more peaceful and just societies. As Israeli Director and later a regional leader overseeing programs across the Middle East, he worked with educators, clergy, nonprofit professionals, and young leaders to foster dialogue, build relationships across divides, and promote more peaceful and just societies.
Kabiriearned a degree in politics and international relations from the Open University of Israel while working full-time. His academic and professional experiences deepened his interest in identity, belonging, pluralism, and moral leadership. Drawn to the ways Jewish communities help people navigate life’s most meaningful moments, he is pursuing the rabbinate to combine his commitment to Jewish learning, spiritual life, and communal leadership. He hopes to create communities where people find meaning, connection, belonging, and purpose whileaccompanyingindividuals and families through times of joy, grief, uncertainty, and transformation.
Emily Kaiman
Current Home:Atlanta, GA
EmilyKaimanis a Jewish educator, community builder, and lifelong learner who has spentnearly twodecades creating meaningful Jewish experiences and helping people feel more connected to Jewish life. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Judaic Studies from the University of Florida and a master’s in Experiential Jewish Education from American Jewish University, withadditionalstudy in Israel. Her career has included leadership roles with KOACH, SaulMirowitzJewish Community School, RamahDarom, Honeymoon Israel, and now J Street, where she works closely with clergy, rabbinical students, and congregations nationwide.
Her decision to pursue rabbinic ordination grows naturally from years of teaching, relationship-building, and community building. She looks forward to deepening her learning and spiritual leadership while helping others find meaning and belonging in Jewish life. Outside of work, she enjoysfacilitatingJewish learning, cooking, hiking, yoga, and spending time with her husband and their four teenagers.
David Kurz
Current Home:Miami, FL
DavidKurzis a business leader, real estate professional, military veteran, and aspiring rabbi pursuing rabbinical studies at 91 to deepen his commitment to Jewish learning, leadership, and service. Originally from New York,Kurzrelocatedto Miami after nine years in the United States Marine Corps, where he served as a Sergeant and combat veteran. His military experience shaped his values of discipline, resilience, leadership, and faith.
With more than 20 years in real estate,Kurzhas built a career in sales, coaching, and entrepreneurship as founder of The Kurz Team and Kurz Organization LLC. He has mentored professionals, written three books, and spoken nationally on leadership and personal growth. Deeply committed to Jewish learning and Torah study,Kurzregularly shares reflections during weekly Shabbat gatherings with his family and supports charitable initiatives, including a comedy fundraiserbenefitingchildren with cancer. Through the rabbinate, he hopes to deepen his understanding of Judaism and expand his ability to serve others as a leader, mentor, and member of the Jewish community.
Kristina Lally
Current Home:Astoria, NY
KristinaLallyis a New Yorker, Jewish educator, and aspiring rabbi who has spent the past decade working in the film and television industry. After earning her B.S. from Hofstra University, she built a career as a camera department professional and union member of International Cinematographers Guild, Local 600, working on projects including Saturday Night Live and Only Murders in the Building.
A convert to Judaism,Lallyis transitioning her career toward the rabbinate after years of Jewish learning and exploration. She is a graduate of Romemu Yeshiva’s 2020 Summer Cohort and BeitKohenet’sfinal learning cycle, Cohort Kaf. An active member of Central Synagogue, she is passionate about creating safe and meaningful Jewish spaces and incorporating her love of learning, singing, and community into her rabbinic journey. Outside of her studies,Lallyenjoys photography, biking, baking, hosting friends for holidays and Shabbat, and spending time with her wife, Gina, and their dog, Zoli.
Andrea McNellis
Current Home:Albany, NY
AndreaMcNellisis a rabbinical student committed to fostering vibrant, spiritually enriching Jewish communities. Before entering the rabbinical program at 91, she built a career as a Jewish educator, administrator, and communal professional across California and New York. She holds dual master’s degrees from 91 in Jewish Education and Jewish Nonprofit Management, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Modern Judaic Studies from California State University, Northridge. Her professional experience includes serving as Director of Jewish Learning Community at Temple Beth Am in Los Angeles, Administrator and Educator at Riverside Temple Beth El, and Director of Program Operations at Congregation Beth Emeth in Albany.
McNellis currentlyteaches religious school, leads Torah Study, providesb’naimitzvah tutoring, and designs innovative educational programs. A graduate of the Senior Educator Learning Fellowship through Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies,McNellisalso supports local food security efforts as a Crew Chief for her congregation’s soup kitchen. Outside of her work, she enjoys guitar, tennis, reading fantasy literature, and spending time outdoors with her spouse and two dogs.
Seth Rosen
Current Home:Oakland, CA
SethRosenis a business leader, community volunteer, and aspiring rabbi pursuingordination to deepen his connection to Jewish sacred texts, liturgy, and Reform Judaism while serving the San Francisco Bay Area Jewish community. He is currently co-founder of Bia Power, an early-stage startup designing high-energy battery packs for autonomous electric vehicles. Previously, he held executive leadership roles atMirionTechnologies, including Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Global Vice President of Human Resources, and Board member, and has worked as an attorney, entrepreneur, and technology commercialization leader.
A longtime member of Temple Sinai in Oakland,Rosenhas served in multiple leadership roles, including Vice President of the Board of Trustees and Chair of the Cemetery Committee, whileparticipatingin adult education and weekly Talmud study. He has also served on the boards of several Bay Area nonprofits and volunteered extensively in his community. Outside of work and study,Rosenenjoys woodworking, hiking, paddle boarding, kayaking, and exploring behavioral science, nature, and global cultures.
Loren Selznick
Current Home: Clarks Summit, PA
LorenSelznickis an attorney, educator, lifelong learner, and aspiring rabbi who brings decades of professional experience, intellectual curiosity, and community leadership to her rabbinical studies. She practiced law in New York for 25 years, working in solo practice, at the New York Court of Appeals, as a litigation partnerin one ofManhattanlargestfirm, aswell asin atwo-personfirm. In 2008 she began teaching and currently serves as a professor of business law at Bloomsburg University. She has published seven law journal articles and held leadership roles as department chair and chair of the university’s general education council.
A lifelong learner,Selznickhas pursued studies ranging from languages and the arts to Jewish learning, including Hebrew study with a tutor in Israel and coursework through Brandeis University. She recently became Bat Mitzvah surrounded by family.Selznickhas served as Sisterhood president and a board member at Temple Hesed in Scranton, as well as on the board of a local adult and special needs education organization. She lives in Pennsylvania with her brother,corgi, three cats, and enjoys continued learning and creative exploration.
Shiela Steinman Wallace
Current Home:Louisville, KY
At 73, ShielaWallaceis seeking ordination to fulfill a lifelong, previously unattainable dream. Earlier in her career,Wallaceworked as editor ofCommunity, Louisville’s Jewish newspaper, andincommunications for the Jewish Community Federation/Jewish Community of Louisville, for 26 years. After retirement, she joined Louisville’s Jewish Community Relations Council. She has been a member of Temple Shalom in Louisville since 1984, serving in many capacities, including president and Shabbat morning song leader. She received Temple Shalom’s Tikkun Olam and Volunteer of the Year awards. She sang inthechoirand is also a composer who has writtennearly 40songs, mostly liturgical. She is currently a volunteer facilitator in Louisville’s Year of Civil Discourse program. Growing up, she attended OSRUI as a camper for 11 years and was a CIT for one.The following summer, she was a counselor in Grambling College’s Upward Bound Program.
Wallace has served on the Hunger Walk organizing committee for Dare to Care, a Louisville food pantry, and as president of the Religion Communicators Council, Louisville Chapter. She enjoys gardening, playing Mah Jongg, and doing jigsaw puzzles.
Shawn Weiss
Shai Wise
Current Home:Milwaukee, WI
ShaiWisebrings a unique background in religious leadership, chaplaincy, community organizing, and interfaith engagement to his rabbinical studies. He grew up in Schenectady,NY, at Congregation Gates of Heaven, where he became ab-mitzvah,participatedin youth group leadership, and traveled to Israel. He earned abachelor’s degreeinhistoryfrom Earlham College, where he was active in Jewish life, LGBTQ student advocacy, and interfaith initiatives, and later earned a Master of Divinity from United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities.
Wisehas served as a pastor, chaplain, and educator, including roles in congregational leadership, hospital chaplaincy, and supporting patients and families in oncology, ICU, hospice, and memory care settings. A pioneer among transgender clergy,Wisehas dedicated his career to compassionate spiritual care, justice, and community building. He currently works withMilwaukeeCounty Community Reintegration Center and serves onnumerouscommunity boards, including Congregation Shalom and Tikkun Ha-Ir.Wiselives in Milwaukee with his wife, Victoria, and their four children.
