Am Haskalah is blessed to be located near the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in Wyncote, PA. This enables us to bring in Student Rabbis as our primary service and spiritual leaders, supplemented by vibrant lay leadership. Thus, bringing in their new energy and ideas and providing invaluable experience to the students as we grow together. We benefit from the variety of rabbinical styles and personalities, but we also get to be part of the foundational journey for so many Reconstructionist rabbis. We are also supported by our alumni, other local Reconstructionist rabbis, including regular services provided by Rabbi Steve Nathan.
Coming soon:
Sam Allie, Student Rabbi
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A Little About Sam…
Sam Allie (they/them) is honored to be serving as Am Haskalah’s student rabbi starting Elul 5785 / Fall 2025. Sam is a passionate Midwest Jew who loves to learn about Jewish history, ritual, and material culture (everything from Jewish cuisine to Jewish clothing). They hold a Master of Arts in Divinity from the University of Chicago with a focus on the history of Judaism and anthropology of religion. In recent years, Sam has been working as a Jewish community
organizer/educator online and locally in their hometown chavurah. Sam is an advocate for accessibility in Judaism, believing in the transformative power of Jewish repair (tikkun olam) and big-tent hospitality (hachnasat orchim). Sam also makes Jewish art and ritual items, and they’re always eager to talk crafts. Still early in their time at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, they’re excited to be welcomed by such a tight-knit and supportive community as Am Haskalah. They hope to offer guidance and creative perspectives, to learn and grow with the community, and to honor the years of work from past student rabbis, lay members, staff, and board members alike in creating such a special congregation.
Feel free to reach out to Sam, beginning August 1st, 2025:
“It was working and serving with you, talking about your future and your hopes and dreams, working with your children for Bnei Mitzvah, that I learned I could excel at being a congregational rabbi.
– Rabbi Chana Leslie Glazer