Testimonials
"I had the pleasure and honor of welcoming Rabbi Ariel Tovlev as our annual Scholar-in-Residence. To say that it was an inspiring and meaningful weekend is a great understatement. Rabbi Tovlev spent the weekend with us exploring our creativity as an expression of our divinity, ancient and modern poetry that inspires us, and trans theology including a session with our 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students on what pronouns we ought to use for God.
I encourage you to invite Rabbi Tovlev to your congregation as a Scholar-in-Residence. It was an uplifting and inspiring weekend."
Rabbi Jared Saks, ME
Rabbi Tovlev made our wedding ceremony more meaningful, precious, and authentic than I even imagined it could be. His guidance and encouragement throughout the planning process really carried us through.
Hannah and David
Julianne Miller, Hillel
We were incredibly lucky to have Rabbi Ariel Tovlev come to Nazareth University as part of our campus celebration of Pride month! Rabbi Tovlev’s inclusive ritual, teaching, and ability to create immediate, empathetic connections helped our students see themselves in new ways. They felt seen and valued by the Jewish community for who they are, in all that they are. Rabbi Tovlev's comments, grounded in Jewish teaching, were personal, accessible, and meaningful to everyone in attendance. Rabbi Tovlev challenged us to take our understanding of inclusivity and identity to a new, deeper place, and helped create an experience that celebrated each individual in attendance for all of their identities.
Rabbi Jenn Mangold, MA
Our community was truly blessed to have Rabbi Ariel Tovlev serve as a Scholar in Residence during our Pride Shabbat. Listening to Rabbi Tovlev share his personal story in such a courageous, vulnerable, and meaningful way brought many of us to tears and helped us connect more deeply with our Jewish tradition. The study sessions Rabbi Tovlev facilitated were thought provoking, relevant to our lives today, and very accessible. We found him to be super approachable, kind, and caring, and we look forward to learning and praying with him again in the future!
Rabbi Sara Sapadin, NY
What a privilege to welcome Rabbi Ariel Tovlev to our congregation for Pride Shabbat. During the service, Rabbi Tovlev shared pieces of his gorgeous liturgical poetry and offered his own personal Torah. Rabbi Tovlev's rich and learned re-reading of the Creation story was not only eye-opening, but heart-opening. His trans theology is deeply powerful and affirming, allowing all humans to see that their evolution and growth is very much an extension of the Divine and the Divine vision for the world. We are so grateful for Rabbi Tovlev's inspirational teaching and his beautiful example. May we all be blessed to become who we are meant to be.
"Rabbi Tovlev was our scholar-in-residence at the Bet Mishpachah Shabbaton. It was a wonderful and enjoyable event. He took part in the services, especially reading a beautiful poem that he had written and the Torah. His talk on Friday evening and the class on Saturday on queer and trans theology were enlightening and thought-provoking. You definitely wanted to learn even more on subjects in addition to the creation story. He actively engaged with members of the congregation. Getting to know him and his personal journey was a real bonus too."
Jeffrey Kahn, Bet Mishpachah President