Rabbi Avigayil Halpern

Based-In Rabbi

Pronouns: she/hers Washington D.C.

Rabbi Avigayil Halpern our Based-In Rabbi for Washington D.C. She is a writer and educator who is passionate about the Torah that emerges in the conversation between our own lives and traditional texts. Avigayil’s work focuses on queer and feminist Torah, and she is currently at work on a book about queer niddah. You can read her writing at avigayil.substack.com.

Avigayil was ordained by the Hadar Institute in 2023, and has taught Torah and built community nationally and internationally, including at Congregation Beit Simchat Torah, the Drisha Institute, Hunter College Hillel, and Hillel Deutschland. She is a connoisseur of fancy little beverages and queer romance novels.

Fun Facts

Which Moishe House would Avigayil live in?

Paris. (Sorry, Berlin!)
What Avigayil is Avigayil's Super Power?

She's a huge believer in the pastoral power of Getting Yourself A Little Treat, and bringing it to all of her friendships and relationships.
Avigayil's Special Skill:

Making really delicious seasonal food for Summer Shabbat lunches that is actually appealing in the heat!