I am Rabbi Monte Sugarman, the spirtual leader of "Synagogue Without Walls, Or Chadash", in Ballston Spa, a town in upstate New York, close to the city of Albany. I am an independent modern Rabbi who serves all branches of Jewish orientation and all people. My background as both a marriage and family therapist and musician combined with extensive Judaic studies and Rabbinical Seminary training provides me with a wide range of experience and practice.

In the Friday night service of Kabbalat Shabbat, the prayer Lecha Dodi resounds with the words, "Hit'or'ri, Hit'or'ri, Arise, arise, for your light has come. Awake, awake and joyously sing, for the glory of G-d is revealed to you." I believe a new "Awakening" has dawned for the Jewish people and for all people in this new millenium. I am reaching out to Jews and members of all faiths regardless of affiliation to promote an interfaith dialogue.