Rabbi Ruach: Rabbi Analia Bortz

Atlanta is chock full of interesting movers and shakers. Lean in to hear some off the cuff remarks as to what makes Rabbi Analia Bortz, of Congregation Or Hadash, tick.

By Marcia Caller Jaffe August 21, 2019, 2:05 pm Edit

After 37 years with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and now with the AJT, , Jaffe’s focus is lifestyle, art, dining, fashion, and community events with emphasis on Jewish movers and shakers.

Atlanta is chock full of interesting movers and shakers — some bent on creativity, public persona, activism and/or serving a congregation, in this case. Lean in to hear some off the cuff remarks as to what makes Rabbi Analia Bortz, of Congregation Or Hadash, tick.

Find out how she compares life in Atlanta to her native Argentina and about the esoteric subject of her next dissertation.

Rabbi Bortz is an author, doctor and bioethicist dedicated to the holistic treatment of women struggling with infertility. She was believed to be the first Latin American female rabbi. Last year, she was listed among BBC’s 100 most inspiring and inspirational women from around the world. Rabbi Bortz founded Congregation Or Hadash in 2003 with her husband, another rabbi, Mario Karpuj. Both from Argentina, they have two daughters, ages 28 and 23.

Get to know Rabbi Bortz better right here.

Jaffe: How does life in Atlanta differ from Argentina?

Bortz: Believe it or not, Atlanta has nicer drivers, a slower pace and is more stable. It’s also easier to find peanut butter here, not that I even like it.

Jaffe: My kids say I’m too …

Bortz: Organized.

Jaffe: With which historical figure do you most identify?

Bortz: Devorah. She was a leader, prophetess and stood on her own two feet. She was the only one who could bring the tribes together.

Jaffe: How do you spend your day off?

Bortz: At the gym. Also, I am writing yet another dissertation … on the poet Yehuda Amichai … Theology and Theocracy.

Jaffe: Biggest regret?

Bortz: Not taking more time to relax.

Jaffe: What are you reading?

Bortz: “The Lost Wife” by Alyson Richman … romance in pre-war Prague. I prefer historical novels and biographies.

Jaffe: Outside of work, where does your talent lie?

Bortz: I paint on silk and do some quilting. Recently I am into the interpretation of Gustav Klimt’s art.