Staff

	Gari Julius Weilbacher - Managing Director gari@interfaithways.org Gari has been living in an interfaith family for close to twenty years and speaks to the complexities of merging two religions and cultures with humor, compassion and love. In each of her roles as wife, mother and daughter/sister-in-law, she sheds light on the intricacies of navigating a meaningful interfaith life. Gari holds a M.Ed. in deaf education and has spent the bulk of her professional life in the public affairs arena of non-profit organizations. She is also a personal life coach with Coaching Partnerships. Contact Gari Weilbacher.
	Rabbi Rayzel Raphael - Rabbinic Consultant rrayzel@interfaithways.org Rabbi Rayzel is also the Rabbi of Beth Israel Congregation of Woodbury, NJ. She received her rabbinic ordination at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in Wyncote, PA, attended Brandeis University for graduate studies in Contemporary Jewish Studies and has a B.A. from Indiana University in Religious Studies. Rayzel consults with The Jewish Creativity Project of New Legends, and Devorah's Flame Women's Spirituality Institute, focusing on outreach through spirituality and the arts. She composes original Jewish music, sings with Shabbat Unplugged and MIRAJ. Rabbi Rayzel performs weddings and is a specialist in helping couples create their own unique ceremonies. She provides counseling and teaching for interfaith couples. Rabbi Raphael is committed to teaching Judaism as a spiritual path, while embracing the diversity of world religions. Contact Rabbi Rayzel Raphael.
	Gabrielle Kaplan-Mayer - Program Associate gabrielle@interfaithways.org Gabrielle Kaplan-Mayer is a writer and educator who has worked in Jewish settings for over 20 years. She holds an M.A. in Jewish Studies from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College and a B.F.A in theater and creative writing from Emerson College. She is the author of several books on Jewish topics, including The Creative Jewish Wedding Book (Jewish Lights), which explores how Jewish and interfaith couples can use rituals and traditions to create personal, meaningful ceremonies. She has recently started officiating at wedding ceremonies and loves to work with couples from all faith traditions. Gabrielle also works part-time at Congregation Mishkan Shalom in Philadelphia as Coordinator of Spirituality for Children and Youth. She and her husband Fred Kaplan-Mayer have two children and Gabrielle is part of an extended family that includes people of different faiths. Contact Gabrielle Kaplan-Mayer.