Volunteer Spotlight July: Heather Renetzky

What can you tell us about yourself and your background?

I grew up in Los Angeles and originally moved to the Twin Cities to attend Macalester. I fell in love with Minnesota and the community here and never looked back! After undergrad, I had the opportunity to work as the J-Pride Program Coordinator, bringing together the Jewish LGBTQ community in the Twin Cities. This was one of several experiences that set me on the path to becoming a rabbi!

In my role with J-Pride, I got to know many incredible folks involved in the Jewish community across the Twin Cities; I still really cherish those connections and love running into people – whether it’s at shul (synagogue), the local farmer’s market, or even Costco. I attended rabbinical school at Hebrew College in Newton, Mass., and was thrilled to move back here two years ago to serve as a rabbi and the Director of Congregational Engagement at Mount Zion Temple.

What volunteer role(s) do you currently have with JFCS, and what roles have you had in the past?

I have been involved in JFCS’ Pride programming over the years. I’ve had the honor of helping lead the Twin Cities Pride Festival Shabbat morning service for three years. I’ve also volunteered at the J-Pride booth in Loring Park. Last year, I got to be on a NextGen “young rabbis” panel, which was really fun! I dabbled in supporting a few other JFCS programs, including the Mental Health Education Conference and the Hag Sameach program.

What does your current or most recent volunteer role involve?

Leading the Pride Shabbat Service this year was an honor, a privilege, and a joy. I remember when we first started a Pride weekend Shabbat morning service almost 10 years ago; it was a small, ragtag gathering in a park near Loring Park. Now, the service is a longstanding tradition that is held right in the heart of the action.

Rabbi Weininger, Rachel Lipkin, and I worked to craft a meaningful service that created space for LGBTQ Jews and their allies to come together to celebrate Pride and Shabbat. Volunteering involved everything from transporting a Torah from Mount Zion (seat belted into my front seat!) to working with J-Pride Coordinator Hunter Wengersky to discern how best to orient ourselves in the space at St. Mark’s. 

How long have you been volunteering with JFCS?

I have been volunteering with JFCS since 2016. Time flies!

What motivated you to become a volunteer with JFCS?

I first got involved with JFCS as a J-Pride participant and then while working as the J-Pride Program Coordinator. Becoming a volunteer was a natural part of that progression too! Being a part of the staff at JFCS allowed me an insider glimpse into the incredible work that JFCS does. JFCS truly serves everyone, and with such heart!

I know how passionate the JFCS team is, and how much they impact the clients and participants they serve. Although it has been several years since I’ve been part of the JFCS staff, being a volunteer allows me to continue to be part of the JFCS family. It feels important to me to continue to support an organization that operates with such love, care, and intention. 

What’s your favorite part about volunteering with JFCS, and how has the experience impacted your life?

Getting to connect with people from across the Twin Cities. I work at Mount Zion and live in South Minneapolis and spend almost all my time exclusively in those communities. My experiences of volunteering with JFCS have allowed me to get out of my “bubble.” Volunteering with JFCS has helped me stay connected and plugged into the work that JFCS is doing. 

As a rabbi at Mount Zion, I’m grateful to get to refer congregants to JFCS. Being connected to JFCS helps me help the community; the agency provides so much expertise and support and makes our whole community stronger.  

Is there a memorable experience or story that you would be willing to share?

This year, during the Torah service at Pride, we invited up LGBTQ elders for one of the aliyot (Torah blessings). The bima (platform) was overflowing with people, and with ruach (spirit). Seeing this incredible group of powerful, resilient, joyful elders coming together was so moving; I was struck by how much our LGBTQ community and LGBTQ Jewish community has grown and what we’ve been through together. Some of the folks on that bima lived through some really tough, challenging times to arrive at that moment, and it was such an awesome feeling to get to join together and uplift them. 

What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering with JFCS?

Go for it! There’s a role for everyone. Even if you only volunteer once, you can have a great impact. Think about what brings you joy and find a way to do that with and for JFCS. 

Is there anything else you would like our volunteer community to know about you? 

Nope!