Julie Fishbach (Hebrew Union College ’26) is known for her spiritually moving prayer services infused with warmth and humor. She grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, leading youth groups and summer camps before pursuing dual interests in politics and comedy. Upon graduation from UC San Diego, Julie moved to Chicago where she wrote and performed for the Second City Training Center while also teaching middle school. Julie gradually took on leadership roles at Mishkan Chicago, where she gained a deep appreciation for Judaism as a tool for inspiration, healing, and positive social change.

Julie has taught at numerous schools and synagogues, including IKAR in Los Angeles and Temple Isaiah of Lafayette, CA. She has served as a rabbinic intern for Congregation B’nai Tzedek of Fountain Valley, the multifaith justice coalition LA Voice, and the addiction treatment center Beit T’shuvah. Julie held fellowships at T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights as well as Rabbis for Ceasefire, and has volunteered in and around war zones, including with Ukrainian refugees in Poland, Israeli peace activists in Jerusalem, and Palestinian olive harvesters in the West Bank. Her justice work is grounded in empathy, and she values working across difference to tap into our shared humanity.

Julie also loves exploring ancient texts and is focusing her rabbinic capstone on wordplay and humor in the Hebrew Bible. She looks forward to a career in service as a pulpit rabbi, supporting others through life’s joys and transitions, and creating welcoming spaces for those who have felt on the outskirts of Jewish life.