Something Is Missing
Americans Seek Answers in Troubled Times, Look For Ways to Rediscover Their Personal Spirituality

/Nevada News Articles/ - February 1, 2005 - Many Americans enter this new year anxious. And, with good
reason. In the shadow of a seemingly-endless Iraq war, global terrorism, unimaginable natural disasters and economic uncertainty, it's no wonder we're seeking solace. For all too many, the very places we yearn to turn for comfort and answers are not filling the need.

"With all that's happening in our world, it's no wonder many Americans find themselves searching for that elusive thing we call spirituality," muses Rabbi Yocheved Mintz. "Ironically, the religious experience they grew up with may seem to not be meeting their needs."

She goes on, "Even some people who see themselves as religious, who regularly go to services and pray with passion, have a gnawing sense that something is not there, that something is unfulfilled. The very things they've always expected from their religion — a coping mechanism, and a way to find inner peace — are not happening."

"The spirituality is there; what's missing is an individual's ability to discover it. In a time when that spirituality is more important than ever, a rabbi can be a teacher and a guide to finding that inner peace."

Mintz suggests that, in some instances, religious practice can become rote: "Attending the synagogue frequently and 'speed davening' (praying) works for some people... or, it may simply be a comforting routine. For many, though, it doesn't connect with deep, authentic feelings, finding the spirituality that they are seeking."

"Education is a huge part of it..." the Rabbi continues. "a more mature, deeper religious education than the 'Hebrew School' classes you remember. I'm seeing is a generation of adults really ready to learn... ready for a challenging, exciting experience."


"There's a tradition that when one is ready to learn, a teacher will appear." Mintz adds, "When we understand the language and learn how prayers came to be, we each develop our own 'G-d speak', and a new vista of spirituality evolves."

"A rabbi, by definition, is a teacher. Exploring Jewish heritage, we help develop inroads to spirituality... help find the things that are missing. Education is the key, and Judaism offers many ways to get there."

Rabbi Mintz concludes, "When you find it, that moment of contact, it's like lightning... it's totally transcendent. There is immense joy and comfort in prayer; a personal Judaism that can change your being and address the gnawing anxiety so many of us are feeling."

This January, Rabbi Yocheved Mintz brings together over four decades experience as an educator, and her new role as a Rabbi in America's fastest-growing Jewish community; responding to needs of the community by offering a series of adult education classes to help Las Vegans (of all Jewish denominations) find their way to a personally meaningful, spiritual Judaism.

Starting January 24th, classes go the gamut from Basic and Advanced Biblical Hebrew (to truly understand the language) to Service of the Heart (exploring prayer and the Prayer Book) and Torah L'Shma (studying just for the joy of it). Class sizes are limited, for maximum personal attention; and, private tutoring is available across a spectrum of Jewish subject areas, including Trope (the symbols and music of Torah chanting) and meaningful adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation.

"Jewish education is a lifelong pursuit..." the Rabbi adds, "a joy of Judaism that can offer a path to inner peace in our very troubled times."

Yocheved Mintz is the first woman among 17 generations of rabbis in her family. She was ordained from the Academy for Jewish Religion, in California, May of 2004.

For more information, a glimpse into Rabbi Yocheved Mintz's extraordinary story, and to register for these remarkable classes, contact Barbara Kenig, Media Relations Director, IN THE PUBLIC EYE.

Press Release Contact Information:

Barbara Kenig
In The Public Eye
Media Relations Director
1720 Stonefield
Las Vegas, Nevada
USA 89144
Voice: (702)498.9808
Fax: (702)228.2808