Nelly Shulman

Nelly Shulman is a Russian rabbi who has made significant contributions to the field of Judaism. Born in St. Petersburg, Russia, she pursued her rabbinical studies at the Leo Baeck College in London, where she received her ordination in 1999. This milestone marked the beginning of her trailblazing career, as she became the first female rabbi from Russia and the first to serve in Belarus. Her appointment as the chief reform rabbi of Minsk, Belarus, was a historic moment, paving the way for future generations of women in the rabbinate.

Rabbi Shulman's career has been marked by notable achievements and challenges. She served as a rabbi in Belarus for five years, later returning to Russia to work as a rabbi in Moscow. She was also a founding member and rabbi for the World Union for Progressive Judaism in Russia, demonstrating her commitment to promoting progressive Jewish values. In 2006, she officiated at a Jewish same-sex commitment ceremony, believed to be the first of its kind in Russia. This event sparked controversy, leading to a boycott of Reform Jews by the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia. Despite this, Rabbi Shulman remains a pioneering figure in Russian Judaism, dedicated to advancing inclusivity and diversity within the Jewish community.