Rabbi Michal Woll is a 2007 graduate of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College. Raised in a reform synagogue in Chicago with a dynamic music program, she has been singing in shul since she was eight years old. Prior to joining Shir Hadash in 2017, she served congregations in Vermont and Michigan.
Rabbi Michal discovered Reconstructionist Judaism during a year living as a corporate consultant in Newark, Delaware. At Temple Beth El, she was inspired by the creative liturgy, stimulating learning, progressive values, and high community engagement. Returning to her small community in Flagstaff, Arizona, she became the High Holy Day cantor and a primary lay liturgical leader in the community.
Rabbi Michal is active in the Interfaith Council of Greater Milwaukee and Tikkun Ha-Ir/Repair our City and is affiliated nationally with T’ruah: The Rabbinical Call for Human Rights as well as Dayenu: A Jewish Call to Climate Action.
A third career rabbi, she was ordained following decades of work in corporate and clinical medicine. Since ordination, Michal has maintained her interest in medical ethics and end-of-life care. As a rabbi, she integrates her passions for music, movement, learning, self discovery, pastoral care, and community building.
Rabbi Michal lives in the Riverwest neighborhood with her husband, writer and publisher Jon M. Sweeney, their daughter Sima, and their cats, Rosa and Martin.