The Charlotte Jewish News- August 2026- Page 21
A Journey of Wisdom and Welcome: Rabbi Rachel Bregman to Lead The Ruach Community’ s High Holy Days Services
By Peter Levinson
Rabbi Rachel Bregman will lead The High Holy Days Experience with The Ruach Community this year, bringing a wide-ranging background in Jewish learning, spiritual leadership, and community building to the Charlotte Jewish community.
Recently relocated to Charlotte, Rabbi Bregman’ s path to the Queen City includes congregational leadership, innovative Jewish initiatives, military chaplaincy training, and a throughhike of the Appalachian Trail. These experiences have shaped her approach to Jewish life as deeply rooted in tradition while remaining open and accessible.
Originally from Framingham, Massachusetts, Rabbi Bregman was ordained in 2010 by Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion in New York City. She also holds a master’ s degree in education from Harvard University. She is a certified spiritual director and a fellow of Rabbis Without Borders; an international network committed to making Jewish wisdom meaningful and accessible to a broad audience.
Before moving to Charlotte, Rabbi Bregman served as rabbi of a small congregation in Brunswick, Georgia, where close
relationships and hands-on community engagement were central to her rabbinate. Earlier, while living in Atlanta, she founded the Open Jewish Project, an initiative created to serve the religious and spiritual needs of unaffiliated Jews seeking connection outside traditional institutional settings.
Rabbi Bregman has also served as a chaplain candidate with the U. S. Navy and Marines, providing pastoral care during moments of transition and challenge. In another formative experience, she spent several months hiking the Appalachian Trail, a journey that continues to inform her teachings on resilience, reflection and renewal.
In addition to her professional work, Rabbi Bregman is a pastry chef, occasional artist, and full-time mom. Since arriving in Charlotte, she has become an active presence in the local Jewish community, teaching religious school at Temple Beth El.
The High Holy Days Experience with The Ruach Community is designed to be open and accessible. There is no membership requirement and no financial commitment whatsoever to attend. Everyone is welcome, regardless of background, level of observance, or prior involvement in Jewish communal life.
As in past years, The High Holy Days Experience will emphasize spiritual depth and participation. Services will feature new Jewish music alongside uplifting prayer and meaningful messages intended to inspire reflection and connection during the Days of Awe.
The Ruach Community’ s decision to welcome Rabbi Bregman for The High Holy Days Experience demonstrates its ongoing commitment to inclusive and thoughtful Jewish programming. Participants can expect services that encourage personal and communal reflection during the most sacred season of the Jewish year.
For Rabbi Bregman, the High Holy Days offer a chance to slow down and begin again. Through The Ruach Community, she looks forward to guiding participants through The High Holy Days Experience with intention, openness, and care.
For more information about The Ruach Community and The High Holy Days Experience, visit www. theruachclt. org.