Julie Fishbach (she/her) is a rabbinical student at Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion, expecting to graduate in 2026. She grew up in the Bay Area, where she was active in Temple Isaiah’s youth groups, and worked as a counselor and Program Director at Camp Tawonga. She studied Sociocultural Anthropology and Theater at UC San Diego and completed coursework in Political Media while interning with the Children’s Defense Fund in Washington DC. After graduating in 2014, Julie moved to Chicago to pursue a career in comedy. She spent six years performing and directing for the Second City Training Center, while also teaching middle school. At the same time, Julie grew involved with Mishkan Chicago, working closely with the clergy as a Leadership Fellow and member of the Davening Team. Through leading Mishkan’s prayer services, she gained a deep appreciation for Judaism as a tool for inspiration, healing, and positive social change. Julie is passionate about youth advocacy and refugee rights. When she’s not performing or protesting, she loves baking, hiking, and learning about Jewish ritual.
