Susan Silverman is an American-Israeli Reform rabbi, author, and social activist. She is known for her work regarding religious pluralism in Israel and her advocacy for international adoption and child welfare.
Born in the United States, Silverman was ordained as a rabbi by the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. In 2006, she immigrated to Israel with her family. Much of her public work has centered on her involvement with Women of the Wall, a multi-denominational organization that advocates for the right of women to pray and read from the Torah at the Western Wall in Jerusalem. Her activism in this area has resulted in international media coverage, particularly following her 2013 detention by Israeli authorities during a prayer service.
As an author, Silverman has focused on the intersection of Jewish tradition, family life, and social responsibility. Her notable works include:
- The Jewish Family Fun Book: Holiday Projects, Everyday Activities, and Rituals for Family Enjoyment (2002), co-authored with her husband, Yosef Abramowitz.
- Casting Lots: A Memoir of Adoption, International and Otherwise (2016), a narrative that details her family’s experiences with adoption and explores the theological and ethical dimensions of the practice.
In addition to her writing and rabbinical duties, Silverman founded "Second Nurture," an organization that partners with Jewish communities to support foster care and adoption.
Silverman is the sister of comedian Sarah Silverman and writer/actress Laura Silverman. She frequently uses her public platform to address issues of social justice and the evolving nature of Jewish identity in both the Diaspora and Israel.