Rabbi Jessica Dell'Era - Biography
Rabbi Jessica Dell’Era (she/they) is graduating from the Jewish Theological Seminary Rabbinical School, where she is completing her Masters in Sacred Music through the Cantorial School alongside her rabbinic ordination.
On campus, she serves as Gabbai in the Women's League Seminary Synagogue, coordinating prayer and mentoring clergy student leaders. She is the Rabbinic Intern at the Emanuel Synagogue, where for the past three years she has led tuneful services for all ages and taught from kids to adults on topics ranging from Torah trope to racial justice. Jessica also served for two years in the Rabbinical Assembly as the Secretary of the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards.
Rabbi Jess grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and holds a BA in Dramaturgy from Pomona College and an MA in Education from the University of California Berkeley. She was an active leader, educator, and board member in her home synagogue of Temple Beth Abraham in Oakland, CA. In her previous career, Jessica taught Spanish bilingual 3rd-6th grades in public schools, working with immigrant and first-generation Latinx families. She currently resides in NYC with her fiancee, Leah, and their one-eyed Jack Russell named Raizy.
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Selected Curriculum Vitae
Rabbi Jessica Dell'Era
Rabbinic Intern | The Emanuel Synagogue | West Hartford, Connecticut
2019 - current
Led musical, participatory services for children, teens, and adults. Connected Jewish tradition to contemporary topics through sermons, Torah study and other learnings. Taught trope to 5th and 6th graders; tutor B’Mitzvah students in Torah, Haftarah, and blessings. Collaborated regularly with rabbi, cantor, principal, and lay leadership to plan and conduct programming.
Gabbai, Women's League Seminary Synagogue | Jewish Theological Seminary | New York, New York
2020 - current
Organized and oversaw on-campus religious services. Managed weekly student prayer lineup, mentored and supported newer leaders. Created specialized holiday programs.
Secretary, Committee on Jewish Law and Standards | Rabbinical Assembly | New York, New York
2019-current
Developed ongoing docket and agendas for the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards. Coordinated in-person and virtual meetings, voting. Prepared papers for publication and wrote announcements for public release. Maintained thorough records for archive.
Spanish Bilingual 6th Grade Teacher | Hayward Unified School District | Hayward, California
2015 - 2017
Collaboratively planned, prepared, and implemented bilingual Common Core instruction in literature, writing, math, science, and history. Taught English Language Development. Girls’ soccer coach, webmaster.
Writing Instructor | Academic Talent Development Program | University of California Berkeley
2007 - 2016
Developed and taught persuasive writing course for gifted 5th-6th graders. Guided students through writing and revising essays, short form pieces, and debates. Provided narrative evaluations and suggestions for further growth.
Spanish Bilingual 1st-5th Grade Teacher | Mt. Diablo Unified School District | Concord, California
2008 - 2015
Structured, evaluated, and modified new Primary Language Literacy curriculum. Planned and taught standards-based science curriculum for each grade, via integrated literacy and hands-on experimentation. Directed school musical. Arts Integration Team; Instructional Leadership Team; Girls on the Run coach.