Rabbi Devorah
Since 2013, Rabbi Devorah has served as the Senior Rabbi of Temple Emanu-El. She brings an emphasis on building community, deepening the ties between congregants, and encouraging everyone to be life-long learners who bring their Jewish learning out into the broader world in a meaningful way.
Rabbi Devorah was ordained at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in 2008 from the Los Angeles campus. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communications with two Minors in Music and Religious Studies from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois in 1998.
As a Rabbi, teaching is her passion. Whether it’s with the Torah School Tots, at Coffee with the Rabbi, through Torah for the Table, or high school service- learning trips, Rabbi Devorah emphasizes the joy and fun that is genuine learning and building community through our shared learning experiences. She is deeply engaged with the issues of the day and works in partnership with community leaders to address pressing social issues such as gun violence, supportive Israel engagement, LGBTQ+ equality and dignity, homelessness, hunger, and refugees. Rabbi Devorah feels deeply privileged and honored to be able to work with amazing community partners to move the world towards greater kindness, inclusivity, and compassion.
In addition to her regular rabbinic responsibilities, Rabbi Devorah is proud to serve as the president of the San Diego Rabbinic Association (SDRA). She is also proud to serve as a faith representative on the San Diego Unified School District Sexual Health Education Advisory Committee where she is able to advocate for comprehensive, evidence-based, LGBTQ+ inclusive education for all San Diego Unified students. Rabbi Devorah is passionate about working in collaboration with inter-faith and inter-denominational partners throughout San Diego and the country to affect positive societal outcomes.
When she is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Sebastian Eickholt, and their beloved four-legged child, Splash at home or at the dog-friendly beaches of San Diego.