Fordham University has hired Rabbi Katja Vehlow, Ph.D., as the new director of Jewish life and the on-campus Rabbi. Vehlow completed her Ph.D. in medieval Jewish history at New York University (NYU) and was ordained at the Jewish Theological Seminary.
Vehlow explained that she had considered the idea of being a Rabbi for a long time prior to being ordained: “Friends had often said to me over the years: ‘Don’t you want to become a Rabbi and do all these ideas you love full time?’” However, the schooling required to be ordained had been holding her back from doing so.
Vehlow explained that some unfortunate events in her personal life led to her committing to the school: “After an intense six months with a lot of illness and death in my family when I was starkly reminded of the fragility of our lives, I decided to go to rabbinical school and also train as a chaplain.” Vehlow said that during this time, she was immersed in Jewish texts, ranging from the Bible to modern literature and art, and got a glimpse into how today’s Jewish people can create and express 21st-century Jewish life.
“I also became a Rabbi because I love holding space for others in times of crisis and suffering as they grapple with where they are right now and where they might go,” Vehlow said.
Vehlow explained that when the position at Fordham opened, she had been working as a hospital chaplain in Brooklyn. “Almost immediately, lots of my friends sent me the announcement. It’s really such a dream job for me because it allows me to combine my chaplaincy, my love for Judaism [and] my love for being on campus with students, all wrapped up together. To do so at a time that is difficult for a lot of Jewish students and many others, of course,” she said.
She explained that through her application and interview process, she loved everything about the role and was thrilled to receive it. “I look forward to becoming a ‘Jewsuit’ and part of Fordham culture.”
She explained that she sees herself as simultaneously a student and a guide as she starts her new endeavor at Fordham. “I hope to bring my whole self to this position,” she said. “I’m first and foremost a chaplain, so I’m somebody who is available for chats and conversations. [And] I hope to have all kinds of conversations: one-on-ones, but also in groups about a wide range of topics from personal stuff to what does it mean to be Jewish at a Jesuit school? To wider spiritual or philosophical questions as well.”
Vehlow stated that she is also a teacher hoping to bring traditional Jewish learning to many people in the Fordham community. She clarified that prior knowledge or the ability to understand Hebrew is not required to learn or participate in cultural events, such as paper-cutting workshops and making a mezuzah.
Vehlow said that her primary goal for the year as she begins her role is to be available for the Jewish community at Fordham, especially given that many Jewish people are living with discomfort, anxiety or suffering. “Be it because of Oct. 7, the war in Gaza or the protests here or any other kinds of issues that arise in our own selves, I’m here,” she stated.
Vehlow explained her other goals include strengthening the work that the Jewish Student Organization (JSO) and Jewish Law Students Association (JLSA) are doing on campus. She plans to build on that work by having regular communal Shabbat dinners, building a sukkah on the Rose Hill campus, having multifaith encounters, holding art workshops and a retreat.
“My number one goal is getting to know Fordham,” Vehlow stated. “I want to meet, if I could, everybody. I will be at the Lincoln Center campus on Mondays and Tuesdays and at Rose Hill on Wednesdays and Thursdays and probably alternate on Fridays.”
Vehlow said she will be planning numerous programs during the Jewish High Holy Days. Vehlow stated that religious services will not be held this year, but Campus Ministry will happily arrange any services that people may be interested in. The events will be open to everyone.
“Whether you’re Jewish, Jewish-adjacent or curious, please come by!” Vehlow encouraged. Students and faculty interested in further information can sign up for the Campus Ministry newsletter or contact Rabbi Vehlow at [email protected].
