Rabbi Min Kantrowitz

Thousands of years ago, Israelite people would bring a measure of their spring barley harvest to the Temple in Jerusalem in the spring as an offering of gratitude for a successful harvest.  After that, they would count forty-nine days to the next harvest, the wheat, which was essential to survival over the following months.  This practice was then codified and described in the Bible.

Since those ancient times, Jewish evening prayers throughout the world follow a set pattern, adding two sentences for seven weeks each spring, starting on the evening of the second Passover Seder and continuing for the next forty-nine days.  This is the "Counting of the Omer," and with the guidance of Rabbi Min Kantrowitz this counting is full of spiritual insight.


Rabbi Min Kantrowitz is the Director of the Jewish Community Chaplaincy Program of Jewish Family Service of New Mexico, which provides spiritual support and pastoral care services to thousands of unaffiliated Jews.  Rabbi Kantrowitz also directs the Albuquerque Community Chevre Kaddisha, facilitates grief support groups and conducts Healing Groups for Jewish survivors of domestic abuse.  She is a sought after speaker and teacher, having conducted services, workshops and lectures in Europe, California, Montana, Arizona, and across New Mexico.  She received her Rabbinic Ordination in May 2004 from the Academy of Jewish Religion in Los Angeles.  In addition, she holds a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and Masters Degrees in Psychology, Architecture, and Rabbinic Studies, as well as a Masters of Science in Jewish Studies.