Gaylia R. Rooks is Rabbi Emerita of The Temple in Louisville where she has served for 30 years. One of her passions is interfaith work which includes being a panel member on Moral Side of the News, serving on Crusade for Children’s Clergy Allocations Committee, and working with many community organizations like Interfaith Paths to Peace.

She was ordained from the Hebrew Union College in 1984, earned her Doctorate of Ministry from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary in 2000, and a Doctor of Hebrew Letters in 2009.

“As a rabbi, I believe in the value of strong interfaith relations and that working closely with other religions is a sacred task. Now more than ever we need people of faith to come together and work to heal the brokenness of our community, our country, our world, and our planet. Education and understanding lead to compassion and justice. This is what CIR stands for and it is an honor to serve on their Board.”