Rabbi Dr. Jo David, based in New York City, goes where few rabbis have gone before. Her multi-faith ministry has taken her around the world to countries like Kazakhstan, New Zealand, Germany and sub-Saharan Africa. In her private rabbinic practice, Rabbi David works with Jews and non-Jews as a private and community educator, life cycle officiant, conversion facilitator and as a bereavement counselor. For the past ten years, she has led a weekly Bible as Literature program (on line) for a multi-faith group of adult learners. New members are always welcome.

From 1999 – 2011, Rabbi David worked with the Progressive Jewish community of Hameln, Germany to design, fund and construct the first new Reform synagogue building to be built in Germany since World War II. She also worked in Germany as a consultant to emerging Progressive synagogues, Jewish youth groups and Progressive women’s organizations.

After her work in Germany, Rabbi David served as a professor at Berkeley College in New York. She taught courses on religion, ethics, feminism, science and sociology, many of which she created to meet the unique educational and cultural needs of minority and underserved students. She has been a frequent speaker at academic and multi-faith conferences and programs around the world.

A published author of books, articles and poetry, Rabbi David’s subjects range from Judaism, spirituality, feminism, genealogy, archaeology and food and wine. Under the pseudonym Nola Saint James, she recently released two romance novels: Anarchy at Almacks: A Story of Love at First Sight, and Midnight Miracle, A Regency Christmas Romantasy, historical novels set in the English Regency Era. Additional titles will be released by Pinfeather Press in 2025.

Rabbi David was ordained by the Academy for Jewish Religion in New York, a ground-breaking pluralistic seminary for the training of rabbis and cantors. She holds a Dr. of Ministry in Multi-faith Ministry degree from New York Theological Seminary (Christian) and earned a Master’s Degree in Judaic Studies from New York University. Her undergraduate degree was earned at Empire State College (SUNY.)

Prior to entering rabbinical school, Rabbi David had a career in advertising and public relations specializing in foodservice and new market development. She was an award-winning creative director recognized for outstanding achievement in both print materials and film.

Rabbi David is married to internationally known sofer Neil H. Yerman, whom she has known since she was 13. When not working as a rabbi or writing novels, Rabbi David enjoys sailing on cruise ships as the rabbi on board, visiting out-of-the-way travel destinations, cooking and baking. Having recently created a successful vegan brisket recipe, she is now on a quest for the perfect vegan oatmeal raisin cookie.