Q&A with Claudia Dobkin
Q: Where did you grow up? Tell us a bit about your family.
Claudia: I was born in Argentina and grew up in New York. I moved to Boston and then Paris until I discovered Miami Beach. I come from a very traditional Jewish family.
Q: How long have you been a member of Emanu-El?
Claudia: I have attended services for High Holidays since I moved to Miami, but joined only 2 years ago. I have been hooked ever since.
Q: We are very fortunate that you decided to join our congregation. What drew you to Emanu-El?
Claudia: There is a unique balance of deeply spiritual and very worldly Judaism which feels very authentic. To me, it feels far more authentic that the men in black who parade their fur hats in my neighborhood.
Q: What has been your favorite activity or aspect of the congregation?
Claudia: The music, the international feel, the anchoring effect of the building and the institution it represents.
Q: Do you have a favorite Temple Emanu-El moment or memory?
Claudia: I had the privilege of accompanying one of our members, a bride-to-be, at her mikvah ceremony in the ocean near our synagogue. It was a transformational moment for all of us.
Q: What would you say is your favorite Jewish holiday?
Claudia: Shabbat. Not technically a holiday, but the best of all days. Shabbat is the time to just be.
Q: What is an area of Jewish learning you'd like to explore more?
Claudia: Sacred practices of Judaism.
Q: Do you have a Jewish figure or role-model whom you admire (contemporary or past)?
Claudia: My grandmother Sofia.
Q: Where do you like to spend your free time?
Claudia: Yoga, travel, and reading are my passions.
Q: Have you ever combined travel and yoga? Are there any similarities between Jewish practice and
yogic practices?
Claudia: I spent a few weeks in Mykonos one summer and practicing yoga there was definitely a defining moment in my discipline. In Israel, I found amazing teachers, and combined with the overall energy of the people and the place, I could not imagine a better experience. Much has been written about the similarities of yogic and Jewish practices, especially mediation. For me, it is pretty basic: through yoga, with every breath, I am reminded of the gift of life.
Q: Any special talents or interesting trivia?
Claudia: I have a talent for learning languages... except [for learning] Hebrew.
Q: What's something that most people don't know about you?
Claudia: I have a doctorate in French, but I am a beach bum at heart.
Q: Your favorite food or beverage?
Claudia: French cheese.
Q: And lastly, what would be a couple of ideas or wishes you have for the congregation/community?
Claudia: A lot of us end up in South Beach with friends or family on a Friday night from time to time. My wish is that everyone make a commitment to come once a month with the same plans and the same people, just one hour earlier, so that they can attend services [too]. It will change your night.
Thank you, Claudia!