Julie Batz is passionate about delving into Judaism’s texts and traditions in accessible and meaningful ways with all who are curious to explore! This has been the throughline of her more than two decades of work as a Jewish educator, congregational leader, ritual facilitator, and Talmud teacher. Julie is honored to be on the faculty of SVARA, where she teaches Queer Talmud for Beginner’s Mind and in SVARA’s teacher training Kollel. Julie holds an M.S. in Organization Development and served as a congregational leader for over 20 years in the Bay Area. She lives in Berkeley, CA with her holy beloved, Maggid Jhos Singer, and is blessed to call three amazing young adults her kids. When she’s not teaching, Julie loves hiking amidst the redwoods, hosting delicious and music-filled Shabbes gatherings, and singing her heart out!