Student Spotlight - Rabbinical Student Kate Passow
I began my journey at AJR to finally answer the question I was asked many times as a lay leader and religious school teacher at Congregation Sha ’ are Shalom ( Leesburg , VA ), " Why aren ' t you a Rabbi ?" Growing up in NJ I was active in my synagogue community and when I moved to Northern Virginia I sought out a Jewish community . Since beginning teaching , I have taught a variety of ages , but primarily teach the 7th grade . While the 7th grade class is an “ interesting ” place , it is great fun helping my students and their families develop deeper connections with the Jewish community . As a lay leader , I enjoy encouraging greater community participation .
Outside of the synagogue setting , my background is in EMS ( Emergency Medical Services ). I took my first EMT class in college , became a paramedic and have worked for ambulance companies ever since with a focus on education and training . Currently , I ’ m not regularly on the ambulance , but instead , I work as a supervisor , making sure the front-line staff have the resources and training necessary to succeed . I have also been a volunteer EMS provider . While I have stepped back from being a paramedic on the ambulance weekly to being on an ambulance monthly , I have filled that time by becoming a " response chaplain ." My area has a fairly unique program where response chaplains are called to provide support to families after a tragic event ( usually an unexpected death ).
As a chaplain I am also available to be a resource to the Fire / EMS providers as they face the unpredictability of being a first responder . This past February , my area had an extremely tragic incident resulting in the death of a firefighter and injuries to many other firefighters . Beyond the physical injuries there was a huge emotional toll for all the providers across the system . My role as chaplain went from 5 mph to 85 mph in a matter of moments as I responded to support those involved ( I greatly appreciate all the support I received from the AJR community during this time as it buoyed me so I could be there for others ).
Keeping the memory alive of EMS providers who have died is extremely important to me and I am an active participant ( and a board member ) for the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride . This organization organizes multi-day bicycle rides across various areas of the country carrying the names of EMS providers who have died and bringing awareness to the dangers of the profession . We also try to visit the Fire / EMS stations of those providers who died to provide comfort to their friends and family . I also participate in the National EMS Weekend of Honor where friends and family of those EMS providers who died while in active duty are honored .
The answer to why I wasn ' t a Rabbi yet is clear : I was waiting to find the right community , and I ' ve found that here at AJR .
22