Sandy Eisenberg Sasso (b.1947) is an American rabbi, author, and educator, recognized as the first woman ordained in Reconstructionist Judaism. She has been a pioneering voice in Jewish spirituality, children’s literature, and interfaith dialogue.
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Sasso was deeply involved in her Reform congregation from a young age. She studied at Gratz College before earning her B.A. and M.A. from Temple University. In 1974, she was ordained by the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, becoming a trailblazer for women in the rabbinate.
Sasso served as rabbi of Congregation Beth-El Zedeck in Indianapolis (1977–2013) alongside her husband, Rabbi Dennis C. Sasso, forming the first rabbinical couple in Jewish history. She has been a leading advocate for women’s leadership, fostering religious imagination in children, and reinterpreting biblical narratives.
Notable works include God’s Paintbrush (1992,) introducing spiritual concepts to children; In God’s Name (1994,) exploring diverse understandings of God; and But God Remembered (1995,) highlighting women’s biblical stories. Other books include The Shema in the Mezuzah (2012,) which won the National Jewish Book Award, and The Marvelous Mustard Seed (2018,) a parable adaptation.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Sandy Eisenberg Sasso
When we talk about spirituality, we talk about what we share. I think when we talk about religion, we talk about how we are different in expressing that spirituality.
—Sandy Eisenberg Sasso
Topics: Communication
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