Alice Goldfinger

Alice Goldfinger is a notable American rabbi who has garnered national attention due to her remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. Her career as a rabbi was marked by a decade-long tenure at Congregation Bet Ha'am in Maine, where she served with dedication until a life-altering event in 2009. A fall resulted in a traumatic brain injury, which severely impacted her short-term memory and necessitated her departure from the congregation.

Despite the challenges posed by her injury, Goldfinger continued to make significant contributions to her faith community. In 2011, she was invited by Rabbi Akiva Herzfeld to lead parts of the Kabbalat Shabbat service at the Orthodox synagogue Shaarey Tphiloh, a notable exception to traditional Orthodox practices that typically do not allow women to lead prayers. Goldfinger's appreciation for Herzfeld's support was evident in 2013, when she nominated him as one of "America's Most Inspiring Rabbis," a recognition bestowed by The Jewish Daily Forward. Through her determination and perseverance, Goldfinger has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to her spiritual calling and her community.