A Judaism that meets real life
Judaism, turned again and again
Judaism has never been a single voice. It is a tradition shaped by generations of interpretation, questioning and lived experience. My approach is liberal, inclusive and grounded in Jewish text. I welcome interfaith families, LGBTQ+ individuals and families, and people whose relationship with Judaism does not fit neatly into a category.
Tradition gives us language and structure; our task is to engage it deeply enough that it can speak truthfully to the present moment.
Lifecycle Rituals
Baby Welcoming
Welcoming a child into family, community and Jewish story.
B'nei Mitzvot
A coming-of-age ritual shaped around the young person, not a template.
Weddings
Jewish and interfaith ceremonies that reflect the couple and the commitments they are making.
Funerals & Shivas
Rituals of memory, grief and accompaniment.
Stolperstein Installations
Jewish words and ritual for restoring a name and story to communal memory.
Custom Rituals
For transitions and moments that matter even when no traditional ceremony already exists.
How we create together
01
Start with the people
We begin with the people, the story and what this moment means.
02
Shape the Jewish meaning
We explore the language, texts, blessings and ritual forms that might belong there.
03
Create a ritual that feels true
Recognizably Jewish, and recognizably yours — never novelty for its own sake.
Writing & Teaching
Jewish text in conversation with contemporary life
I also write and teach on Jewish ritual, meaning, community and the ways our tradition can accompany people through complicated human experience.
Featured project
On Paths We Do Not Choose
A Jewish spiritual companion and educational project addressing domestic and sexual violence.
About Rabbi Griffith
Rabbi Ellis Griffith, PhD
I am a rabbi, writer and educator based in the Netherlands, working with individuals, families and communities across Europe and beyond. My work centers on creating Jewish language for real human lives: celebratory, complicated, unexpected and everything in between.
Contact
Tell me about your moment
If you are planning a lifecycle ritual, beginning to imagine one, or simply wondering what might be possible, send a note. You can start with the story; we can work out the details from there. Available throughout Europe, with other locations considered by arrangement.
Lifecycle Rituals
Jewish ritual for life's meaningful moments.