Rabbi Debra Smith (Reb Deb) is the founding rabbi and spiritual leader of Or Ha Lev Jewish Renewal Congregation in Succasunna. She is also a clinical social worker and multicultural family therapist. She has served as director of a private clinical practice, “Human Solutions,” for many years.
Reb Deb received her rabbinic ordination through the ALEPH Jewish Renewal Rabbinical Seminary. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Jewish Studies from Gratz College in Philadelphia and a Masters in Social Work from Rutgers University.
Her work serving the Jewish community is extensive: she teaches at several JCC's and synagogues in the area and is on the faculty of ALEPH Tikshoret Connections where she teaches courses in Mussar studies.
A major focus of Reb Deb’s work is deep ecumenism and multi-faith dialogue. She serves as Rabbi in Residence at the Drew Theological School in Madison; She currently serves as co-chair of the NJ Muslim-Jewish Solidarity Committee and is a co-chair of the Morris County NJ chapter of the Sisterhood of Salaam-Shalom. She is a frequent facilitator of interfaith dialogue work and is a lecturer and teacher at many local mosques and churches.
Reb Deb is a recipient of the prestigious Leo Brody Award, given to an outstanding professional in the field of Jewish Communal Service. She is a member of OHALAH, Organization of Trans-denominational Rabbis, where she serves on the ethics committee; She is married to Dr. Neil Smith, and is the mother of two grown daughters.
