Throughout her life Rabbi Laura has worn many hats.  She had a long and successful career in theater and television as both an actor and theater executive, and she spent several years as an archeologist in Mimbres, New Mexico. While theater nourished her creatively, she was also dedicated to social justice and tikkun olam, repairing the world, by involvement in such causes as advocating for gun control, environmental protections, and women’s health. Further, she found spiritual nourishment studying Torah in classes at various synagogues around the city.  A gentle suggestion by her husband that she “should have been a rabbi” led her to thinking that being an ordained rabbi might provide more gravitas to pursuing her causes. Ultimately, this encouragement was the calling to her spiritual center and her personal commitment to Judaism, which became her central focus. She enrolled in the newly founded Academy for Jewish Religion California in 2003, with the desire to become a pulpit rabbi serving the Jewish community and beyond.

While on her road to ordination in 2008, her dedication to the spiritual essence of the Academy, and the joy and passion that she was bringing to her rabbinic studies, was recognized by one of the Academy’s founders, Rabbi Stan Levy. Rabbi Stan asked her to be his co-rabbi at Congregation B’nai Horin – Children of Freedom – and she continues in that role today.  Rabbi Laura also officiates lifecycle events throughout the community, and participates in a variety of both Jewish and interfaith organizations, promoting peace, understanding, and engagement.

As if all this wasn’t enough, Rabbi Laura nourishes six dogs, a giant tortoise, her director/producer husband Jack Bender, and two grown daughters, Sophie and Hannah. As they say, if you want to get something done, ask a busy person. And that is Rabbi Laura Owens.