WHO WE ARE

Own Your Judaism gives people an opportunity to chart their own path to Judaism and to do so free of judgment or rebuke. We guide people on their journey (without telling them what to do), help people identify what is missing in their Jewish lives, and build community around it. Own Your Judaism helps people activate their Jewish energy and be active agents on their own religious path.

A registered non-profit organization, Own Your Judaism is based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and serves an international community. We host in-person, online, and hybrid programs, including learning, celebrating, life-cycles events, and coaching.

WHO IS THE MINDFUL RABBI

Moishe Steigmann, The Mindful Rabbi, is the founder and director of Own Your Judaism. Through OYJ, he creates easeful, joyful, and social programming for anyone who wants to experience Judaism. He also speaks, hosts livestream conversations, and offers Jewish Life Coaching and organizational consultation. An ordained rabbi with a masters in education, he has been the rabbi of two synagogues, one community Jewish day school, and one Jewish camp.

Born and raised in Milwaukee, Rabbi Steigmann is a proud father of two children, loves sports, is passionate about living gratefully, and enjoys almost all puzzles and games.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Nancy Ettenheim

Brian King

Debbie Callif

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Michelle Petrova, a life-long learner and educator, has spent the last 18 years teaching in a variety of grades and diverse school environments. She most recently taught 6th through 8th grade English at The Milwaukee Jewish Day School and has taught almost every age of learner, including adults. Michelle brings an unstoppable passion for education and a repertoire of organizational systems and strategies. She is also skilled in designing curriculum, backwards planning, event planning, writing, and editing.

Michelle recently stepped away from teaching in order to focus on her family, but continues to tutor privately and keep her foot in the educational world. In her free time she enjoys reading, traveling, spending time in nature, learning and utilizing AI, listening to live music, swimming, and spending time with friends and family.

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