Rabbi Chel Mandell

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photo of Rabbi Chel waring a black hat and tzit tzit What do people call me? Chel

Pronouns: They/Them

Where was I ordained? Academy of Jewish Religion, Los Angeles

Where am I located? Santa Cruz

Why did you become a spiritual leader and what do you love about Judaism?

Becoming a rabbi was my entry point to serving the Jewish community in holding ritual space, pastoral care, and leading life-cycle moments. I remember thinking can a trans/queer, surfer/skater truly become a rabbi and how will these identities intersect. My rabbinate is a collaboration of all parts of myself past and present. I love bringing religion and spirituality into the secular world and finding those intersections. It is so powerful that it can all exist at once!

Are there specific populations, age groups, or folks at a certain life stage who you love working with?

I strive to be a rabbi for all people and particularly I serve and support trans, queer, and gender-expansive Jews and Jews who are anti-zionist, non-zionist, questioning, and confused. My work centers Jews on the margins of the mainstream Jewish community. It is an honor to serve Jews of all backgrounds and meet them where they are as that is where the magic happens.

What services do I offer?

Funerals/memorial services
Weddings/partnership rituals
Conversion
New baby rituals (baby naming, covenant, etc.)
Spiritual guidance/counseling
Adult B’nai mitzvah
Interfaith weddings
Co-officiating with another spiritual leader
Mikveh experience at traditional mikveh or river or ocean.
Gender transition ceremonies and naming ceremonies.

For more information, check out my website or email me!