Claire Bergen (they/them) is a rabbinic student at the International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism (IISHJ), with ordination expected in 2025. For over 15 years, Claire taught Los Angeles public school students, primarily as a Teaching Artist in music, with organizations including the Los Angeles Philharmonic and YOLA (Youth Orchestra LA). They served as lead lerer (teacher), Curriculum Specialist and officiant at the Sholem Community, and currently facilitate and mentor emerging Jewish educators at Mishkan Chicago. Claire holds an MA in Teaching from USC, an MA from Indiana University’s Borns Jewish Studies Program, and is a Certified Vegvayzer/Madrikhe (secular Jewish leader and officiant) through the IISHJ. They also enjoy drawing and writing. Inspired by stories of their family and of the pre-WWII secular Jewish left, Claire believes that the stories we tell about the past shape the future we are building.
