Life Cycle Ceremonies

Madrikhot/Leaders and Life Cycle Ceremonies

Michelle Davis and Sheila Malcolm are currently enrolled in the Leadership Program through the International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism (IISHJ, http://iishj.org). The purpose of the Leadership Program is to develop professional leaders who serve the needs of the Secular Humanistic Jewish movement. The first program created by the Institute, graduates of the Leadership Program earn the title of Madrikh(a)/Vegvayzer/Leader, a Jewish professional who serves as a community guide, ceremonial officiant, philosophic counselor, educator, and movement spokesperson. Leaders serve the needs of their communities and the Jewish community in general in their area.

Within Beth Ami, Michelle and Sheila facilitate services, create and update liturgy and help plan congregational programming. They are each available to officiate at life cycle events including weddings/unions, baby namings, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, and funerals/memorial services.

Sheila Malcolm, MA in Ed, immigrated from NY to CO many years ago, where she married, raised two children, completed a 31 year career as a teacher and mentor in Boulder Valley Schools, and traveled around the US and 15 other countries. She now substitute teaches, volunteers voraciously and is growing into her role as Madrikha for Beth Ami. Her children, of course, now live in NY.

Sheila explored many ways to be Jewish, and finally felt at home and at peace with her discovery of Secular Humanistic Judaism. After meeting Rabbi Wine and other leaders in the movement, she decided to commit time, training and creative energy to support the growing Beth Ami – CCHJ community. To contact Sheila, please email sheila@bethami.com.

By trade a violinist, Michelle Davis moved to Colorado in 2004 with her husband after completing graduate work at the University of Michigan. She grew up in a Reform congregation and was never completely at home with the language used in the services. She was excited to discover Humanistic Judaism while looking for an officiant for her wedding to a non Jewish man. She was able to find not only someone who would create a positive, personal and culturally Jewish ceremony for their big day, but also a community of like minded individuals to belong to. Humanistic Judaism has proven to be a warm, welcoming home for both Michelle and her husband.

Since moving to Colorado, Michelle has been involved in Beth Ami CCHJ as both a community volunteer, and in her growing role as a leader-in-training through the IISHJ's Leadership Program. In the life cycle ceremonies she has developed, Michelle has enjoyed getting to know each couple and creating a unique, beautiful ceremony just for them. To contact Michelle, please email michelle@bethami.com.

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