Rabbi Melissa B. Simon

Rabbi Melissa B. Simon has a diverse range of work experience. Starting in 2005, they served as a Student Rabbi at Temple Beth Sholom. In 2006, they worked as a Rabbinic Mentor for PANIM's Summer JAM program. Afterwards, in 2007, they became a Cooperberg-Rittmaster Rabbinical Intern and Children's Educator at Congregation Beit Simchat Torah. In 2010, they transitioned to the role of Director of Lifelong Learning and Rabbi at Congregation Shir Tikvah. From 2014 to 2017, Rabbi Simon served as the Jewish Chaplain and Hillel Director at Muhlenberg College. Following that, from 2017 to present, they have been a Senior Jewish Educator and Rabbi at North Carolina Hillel. In addition to these roles, they have worked as a Wedding Officiant since 2010, connecting people to Jewish traditions through inclusive and meaningful weddings. In 2023, they will join Hillel International as the Director of Israel Education. Through their work, Rabbi Melissa B. Simon strives to impact Jewish student life, enrich the lives of individuals, and shape the future of Jewish communities.

Rabbi Melissa B. Simon has a diverse education history. Rabbi Melissa B. earned their Bachelor's degree in Women's Studies from Mount Holyoke College in 2004. Rabbi Simon then pursued their Rabbinical Studies at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati from 2005 to 2007. Following this, they continued their studies at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York, where they obtained a Masters in Religious Education (MARE) with a focus on Jewish Education and Rabbinic Ordination from 2007 to 2008. From 2008 to 2010, Rabbi Simon further expanded their knowledge and skills with a Masters in Hebrew Literature from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York. In 2020, they participated in the Senior Educator's Cohort of M2, specializing in Experiential Jewish Education. In 2022, Rabbi Simon attended Resetting the Table to become a trained facilitator in Speaking Across Conflict.