Embark is all about exploring Jewish life in interfaith relationships – without the pressure to convert. Connect with other couples in their 20s and 30s and an Embark rabbi as you learn, share, and grow together in a supportive space. Whether you’re curious about tradition or building your own, discover a Jewish life that’s uniquely yours. Embark cohorts consist of 6-10 couples that meet weekly for 6 cohort sessions, a retreat, and a Shabbat dinner.

Curious to learn more about Embark? Check out our FAQ.

Rabbi Blair Nosanwisch

Rabbi Blair Nosanwisch is passionate about building loving and nourishing communities through care, prayer, Torah, and food. She was ordained at the Jewish Theological Seminary in 2021, and joined the Adat Shalom team that same year, bringing with her an emphasis on spiritual care. Before pursuing the rabbinate, Rabbi Nosanwisch was a Board member and Chair of Education and Social Action at the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue (IADS); co-founder of an educational initiative for Jewish teens and tweens called PeerCorps Detroit; co-founder of a cross-cultural urban garden called Eden Gardens; and the creator of “Pickle Torah.” She currently serves on the advisory board for Adamah Detroit.

Rabbi Nosanwisch graduated from the University of Michigan in 2008 with a BA in English, French, and Women’s Studies and received her M.A. in experiential Jewish Education from the Jewish Theological Seminary in 2015. She is a certified shochetet (kosher slaughterer); served as Rabbinic Intern at Congregation Sons of Israel in Nyack, NY; trained as CPE (Spiritual Care) Intern at the University of Michigan Hospital; and from 2017-2021 served as Student Rabbi at Beth El Synagogue in Woodbury, CT. Her spouse and best friend Phreddy teaches at Hillel Day School, and they are proud parents of Honi and Erev Willow.

Rabbi Yonatan Dahlen

Rabbi Yonatan Dahlen grew up on the prairies of northern Iowa, fell in love with Jewish thought and philosophy in college on the plains of South Dakota, and deepened his commitment to text, tradition, ritual and history at Brandeis University and at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City (with a couple of years in Italy and Israel along the way). 

Advocating for a Judaism filled with emotional honesty, communal and individual introspection and meaning, and judgement-free wrestling with text and tradition, Rabbi Dahlen sees his spiritual leadership as a sacred responsibility to bring holiness into everyday life.

His passion for that mission is expressed throughout the Shaarey Zedek family as well as throughout Metro Detroit. Whether it be on the bimah, in the classroom, the local hospitals and assisted living facilities, or any number of coffee shops and start-ups around the city, Rabbi Dahlen is firmly committed to bringing the beauty of Jewish life and learning to anyone, no matter where they are on their Jewish journey.

Rabbi Dahlen is the founder and spiritual leader of CSZ Village, Shaarey Zedek’s home for young families and young professionals. Ready to take the next step (or maybe the first step) in your Jewish journey? Shoot Rabbi Dahlen an e-mail, text, or phone call today – the first cup of coffee is on him!