About

Rabbi Laura Duhan-Kaplan, Ph.D., is a leading voice at the intersection of Jewish spirituality, philosophy, and interfaith dialogue. An award-winning educator with nearly four decades of experience, she brings rare depth and warmth to everything she teaches.

Currently, she serves as Dean of ALEPH Ordination Program, the Jewish Renewal Seminary. Previously, she was Professor of Jewish Studies and Director of Inter-Religious Studies at the Vancouver School of Theology. She is also Rabbi Emerita of Or Shalom Synagogue in Vancouver and Professor Emerita of Philosophy at UNC Charlotte, where she also directed the Women’s and Gender Studies program.

Her teaching has earned the highest honors in her field—including the Carnegie Foundation U.S. Professor of the Year Award and the American Academy of Religion Katie Geneva Cannon Award for Excellence in Teaching.

A prolific writer, Rabbi Laura has published academic articles, co-edited anthologies, and authored narrative nonfiction books. Her writing explores philosophy, peace studies, ecology, kabbalah, and multicultural community-building. Her award-winning Mouth of the Donkey: Re-imagining Biblical Animals weaves these threads together in one volume.

Rabbi Laura received rabbinic ordination from ALEPH in 2005 and holds a graduate diploma in spiritual direction from the Vancouver School of Theology. Known for leading beautiful, musically rich prayer services and rituals, she brings the same artistry to the pulpit as she does to the page.

A sought-after public speaker, Rabbi Laura captivates audiences across Jewish and interfaith settings alike. Through her blog, Sophia Street, she shares Jewish spiritual wisdom with a global audience. A proud member of the Interfaith Amigos, Rabbi Laura bridges traditions — always asking the questions that matter most.