Roswell Resident Pamela Gottfried Shares Jewish Wisdom

What is your business and how long have you been doing it?

I have been guest lecturing, teaching and doing scholar-in-residence gigs since my ordination in 1993, but I struck out as freelance rabbi and writer in 2008. After 14 years of working as a rabbi and teacher in formal education settings, at schools, I decided to take a sabbatical to complete a book of essays that I had been writing since 2006.

What makes you good at what you do?

I was trained in the Conservative Movement and have a strong background in classical Jewish texts, including, medieval biblical commentary and the Talmud. Nevertheless, I have always been interested in and committed to making these complicated and, seemingly, unfamiliar concepts accessible to Jews and non-Jews of any religious background. As an adult student myself I took up ceramics and bought a potter's wheel when I was in my late 30's, I am sensitive to the fact that people who have professional lenses and areas of expertise outside of Judaism can apply their learning and experience to understanding the Jewish wisdom that I share.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

New York Times Crossword Puzzle, reading, pottery.

How do you stay connected to the community?

I am a parent - one alum, two current students, and a regular volunteer at .

How can people find you? www.pamelagottfried.com