Marisa Papell grew up in Houston, Texas, attending Congregation Emanu El. The clergy inspired her to pursue her passion of Judaic Studies through Hebrew Union College’s Rabbinical program. In December 2020, she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Food Business Management with a concentration in Mediterranean Cuisine from The Culinary Institute of America. During the summer of 2019, she had the opportunity to intern for Aaron Gertz Tours in Tel Aviv. She wrote articles about Israeli cuisine and culture while designing a tour of how the Carmel Market can be explored through the five basic tastes. While her time in culinary school was anything but traditional, she knows that the lessons learned will be of service to her as she explores how the intersection of food and Judaism will play a role in her rabbinate. During her year in Israel, she had an incredible time exploring the many layers of Israeli society through Shabbat and holiday celebrations. A particularly meaningful experience was attending services with Women of the Wall. This year she is excited to be the student Rabbi at Congregation Beth Shalom in Bryan, Texas, and teach religious school at Rockdale Temple in Cincinnati.