Watch How You Go: Jewish Wisdom for Your Journey Ahead is part memoir, part reflection, and part teaching, and wholly heartfelt. In it, Rabbi Rachel Ain draws on her experiences as both a rabbi and a mother, offering the wisdom she hopes to pass on to her children and, through them, to all seekers. She explores questions of the power and impact of faith and doubt, work and life, hope and meaning, time and land, and universalism and particularism in today’s complex world. As a woman on the bimah, she has always brought her full self to both the synagogue and to her home when considering these issues. She is Rachel, Rabbi, and Mom; a complete person. She is the sum of all her parts, an authentic representation of all of these identities put together like a kaleidoscope where different parts of her emerge depending on which angle is being focused on. Using both sacred texts and personal anecdotes, Rabbi Ain will lead readers through reflection that will help them examine their relationships, their spirituality, their celebrations and sadnesses, and their place in the world and ultimately move through their own journey a manner that is both mindful and meaningful. Alongside the exploration of Jewish texts and traditions, her stories will create chances for people of all generations to talk to each other about issue, both timely and timeless, to talk to each other.
Watch Rabbi Ain on TODAY discussing the lessons behind Watch How You Go.
Rabbi Rachel Ain is the Rabbi and CEO of Sutton Place Synagogue, a Conservative Synagogue in Midtown Manhattan. Before joining SPS, Rabbi Ain was the Senior Director for National Young Leadership at the Jewish Federations of North America, where she worked closely with lay leaders and professionals to engage the next generation of leaders for the Jewish community. Prior to that, she was the Senior Rabbi of Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas, a Conservative Synagogue in Syracuse, NY, from her ordination at JTS in 2004 until 2011. She sits on the Chancellor’s Rabbinic Cabinet of JTS and is on the Executive Board of the NY Board of Rabbis. She has studied at the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem and completed a certificate program in executive leadership from Columbia University's Business School and UJA Federation of NY for leaders. Rabbi Ain’s other experience includes serving as a commissioned Lieutenant (JG) for the US Navy Chaplains Corps, and she participated in a fellowship at CLAL, called Rabbis Without Borders, where she trained to bring the wisdom of Jewish tradition into the larger public sphere. In 2018 She was awarded the Tikun Olam award by the Jewish Council on Public Affairs. She has written and taught in a variety of venues including teaching at the 92nd Street Y, the Streicker Center, and the International Lion of Judah Conference. She has written for The New York Jewish Week, JTA, E-JewishPhilanthropy, Good Faith Media, The Jerusalem Post, and has appeared on GMA3 and The Today Show for various segments on faith and the holidays and faith during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Rabbi Ain holds a BA in American History from Barnard College and a BA in Midrash from JTS. She received her Rabbinic Ordination from JTS in 2004, where she concurrently received her MA in Jewish Education. Rabbi Ain is married to Rabbi David Levy, the Director of the Block Center for Jewish Exploration and Education at Sutton Place Synagogue. They are the proud parents of two sons.
"A heartfelt letter from Rabbi Ain to her children that offers wisdom and inspiration for all readers."
Zibby Owens, editor of On Being Jewish Now: Reflections from Authors and Advocates
"Rabbi Ain shows that authentic leadership comes from self-knowledge, honoring the past, and moving courageously into the future. A powerful and memorable book."
Gay Gaddis, founder of T3, author, and artist
"Blending personal experience and Jewish wisdom, Rabbi Ain explores faith, family, responsibility, and purpose with warmth and clarity, showing how tradition can guide everyday life."
Abigail Pogrebin, author of My Jewish Year: 18 Holidays, One Wondering Jew
"A wise and inspiring guide to living with meaning. Drawing on Jewish tradition, Rabbi Ain offers enduring insights on faith, community, and making a positive impact."
Rabbi Naomi Levy, author of Einstein and the Rabbi
"At a pivotal moment for Jewish identity and continuity, this book offers a compelling roadmap for resilience and passing Jewish values to future generations."
Dan Senor, host of Call Me Back and coauthor of The Genius of Israel and Start-Up Nation
"With gentleness and courage, Rabbi Ain guides readers in deepening their connection to God, identity, and peoplehood while growing the heart and soul."
Rabbi Nicole Guzik, co-senior rabbi, Sinai Temple Los Angeles
