| Rabbi Hillel Norry brings over two decades of experience to the pulpit. Born and raised in Rochester, NY, he is a graduate of Brandeis University and the Jewish Theological Seminary. He led Congregation Shaare Zedek on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, followed by a long stint as the senior rabbi for Congregation Shearith Israel in Atlanta (2002-2015). In 2017, he was the Rabbi for Congregation Beth Israel in Gulfport, Mississippi. Most recently, he has found a calling as an interim rabbi, helping congregations like ours (Chattanooga, Birmingham, Snellville GA) regain its footing after leadership change. He told me he already feels a part of our Jewish community: “I look forward to getting to know everyone personally, to learning and growing together, and to seeing what makes this historic community so meaningful for so many.” His interests and talents are varied. He is a scholar of both ancient and contemporary meditation, the lead Jewish Chaplain in the DeKalb County Jail in Decatur, Georgia, and served as Rabbi-in-Residence for the Wisconsin Ramah Darom for many years. He is a 3rd Dan black belt and martial arts Tae Kwon Do instructor, a certified firearms instructor, an avid vegan chef and bread baker, and a lifelong musician of guitar and harmonica. |