Rabbi Milkow champions open-mindedness in Jewish Heritage Month

Yahoo

27-05-2025

PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Working to create a safe place for those of the Jewish faith to find security, stability, and sureness. Rabbi Bryna Milkow is this week's CI Hero.
Inside Congregation Anshai Emeth in Peoria, Milkow spiritually leads and teaches her congregation which is one of three within Peoria.
'It's the best job in the world,' said Milkow. 'I just love every day of doing my job. I love the diversity of it. I like the variety. I like being able to be with people at difficult times of their life as well as joyous ones.'
In Reform or progressive Judaism women can be ordained as rabbis. That started in the 70s. She was ordained in 2006 and that led her to the exploration of her faith, which she says is rooted in hope.
'We're always on a journey,' said Milkow. 'It's not a static point. No matter what your religion is, you're always deepening, questioning, learning. And so, we're all on a spiritual journey and luckily, hopefully, we can respect each other's journeys.'
During Jewish American Heritage Month she hopes people approach their belief system with goodwill and positive intention.
'We each have our own story to tell,' said Milkow. 'I think having openness and curiosity toward other and tolerance toward other groups just makes this world a little easier to live in. And and I think we are also very proud of the heritage and the contributions that we've made to this country, both in terms of medicine and law, but also in terms of social justice action.'
She said Peoria offers a welcoming and safe environment for practicing Jewish people.
'There are families that have been here five, six, seven generations that came here in the 1800s,' said Milkow. 'This congregation is over 170 years old. Right. And so we have a long, long history here in Peoria.'
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