Student Rabbi

ZIVA GUNTHER

Ziva Gunther is a passionate and dedicated individual with a deep love for Torah and community leadership. Originally from Texas, she has spent the majority of her life in Santa Fe, NM. Over the years, she has immersed herself in the vibrant life of her home synagogue, where she has previously served as a committee chair, lay leader, Sunday school teacher, board member, and more.

Currently entering her second year of rabbinical studies at HUC-JIR, Ziva enjoys engaging in Torah study and text analyses. She hopes to inspire joy and foster community spirit as a future rabbi. Ziva is a self-proclaimed Star Wars nerd, and when not pursuing Jewish interests, she also loves to cook and bake, scrapbook, watch Formula 1 racing, and is currently learning to work on cars. Eager to embark on new adventures, Ziva looks forward to connecting with the community in Ogden, Utah.

Rebeca (right) in Hebrew Union College’s Beit Midrash summer program

THANK YOU, REBECA!

After two years of serving us, you may be wondering, What is Rebeca up to now?

I am currently studying Tanakh and Talmud at Hebrew Union College’s Beit Midrash summer program. A handful of students get to study and discuss texts in depth with amazing faculty members, even with academics from other rabbinical schools! We study from Monday through Thursday, and let me tell you: we are having so much fun! Every day is full of laughter; we love what we do. I feel very lucky to be spending my summer with amazing friends who love “nerdy” Jewish stuff as much as I do.

At the end of July, I will be traveling back to Guatemala to visit my family and friends. Finally, in August, before the fall semester begins, I will go back to Argentina for the Latin American Reform Movement’s Biennial.

I am missing the congregation and cannot wait to find an opportunity to return and pay you all a visit.

—Rebeca Orantes, July 2024

ZIVA GUNTHER

THANK YOU, REBECA!

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