Rabbi-in-Residence Goldman Brings Passion to GOA

By Sagan Shapiro ‘27
This year, Golda Och welcomed Rabbi Lindsay Goldman, a new Rabbi-in-Residence with a unique blend of a passion for teaching and a deep commitment to supporting students in their Judaic journey. ​

Rabbi Goldman, a proud alumna of the Leffell School (formerly known as Solomon Schechter Westchester), has been eagerly supporting the spiritual and intellectual growth of GOA’s students. 
“I have wanted to become a rabbi since I was in 9th grade and I met the Rabbi in Residence at my high school,” Rabbi Goldman said. 
Her journey to becoming a rabbi was deeply influenced by her interactions with a mentor who demonstrated a balance of both teaching and spiritual guidance. 
“I admired how he was able to teach and also able to be a rabbi to students as we needed him. I wanted to be a young, fun, relatable rabbi that can teach and also support students going through a challenge with their Jewish identity or a hard time in any part of their lives.”
Rabbi Goldman’s higher education began at NYU, where she studied education, laying the framework for her teaching career. Her desire to impact students' lives led her to work at the University of Maryland Hillel for two years, but she soon realized her heart belonged elsewhere. She subsequently taught middle school Rabbinics and Teffillah at the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School (CESJDS) in Rockville, MD, honing her skills in education. 
She then embarked on a five-year journey at the Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS) to study rabbinical studies. At JTS, she worked at NYU Hillel for three years as the Rabbinic Intern, advising the egalitarian minyan and teaching a weekly class called “the Jewish Learning Seminar.” Her diverse experiences and Hillel provided her with a unique perspective that she brings to her new role at Golda Och Academy.
Goldman’s relationship with GOA dates back to her high school years when she spent the summer with USY on Wheels and made friends from the organization. The school’s values and vibrant community had always left a lasting impression on her. 
“I became interested in working there last year when I saw this job description, which encompassed so much of what I wanted to be doing, and I started speaking with Dr. Apter and Rabbi Nevins, both of whom I had known and worked with before.”
Rabbi Goldman is excited about the comprehensive Jewish Studies curriculum at GOA, which offers Hebrew, Tanakh, Rabbinics, and Judaic electives. 
One of her primary focuses is on enhancing the Tefillah program at GOA. She wants to ensure that it is both educational and that students know how to actively participate in any service while making it relevant and interesting. Rabbi Goldman believes that Judaism is not just a class with a grade but a way of living, and she is dedicated to nurturing Jewish life outside the classroom. 
As she embarks on her new role, Rabbi Goldman wants every student to know they can talk to her about religious or spiritual issues they may be facing, whether in or out of school. 
Goldman said, “Especially with the heartache that many of us are experiencing with what is going on in Israel right now, please know I am here for you.” She understands the significance of support during these challenging times and is ready to provide guidance.
Golda Och Academy has found a compassionate and inspiring teacher who is well-equipped to guide the spiritual and educational journey of the school’s students. Her passion as a teacher, understanding of student’s needs, and commitment to creating a vibrant Jewish community make her an invaluable addition to students and the entire school as she continues to share her wisdom, enthusiasm, and unwavering support in the years to come. 

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