EVAN TRAYLOR

Evan Traylor is a 5th-year rabbinic student and Jewish community builder, educator, activist, and writer.

Each and every day, he strives to support and guide people, build strong Jewish communities, and work toward justice and liberation, creating a more loving and peaceful world for all people.

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Recent Thoughts, Articles, & Events

Empathize, Organize, Mobilize: Meet Rabbinic Intern Evan Traylor

During Summer 2024, Evan served as the Tisch Summer Rabbinic Intern at Temple Micah in Washington D.C. This article by Steven Weisman was his introduction to the community.

Read the Article

Parashat B’har Sermon at Congregation Beth Elohim in Brooklyn

Commemorating the 4th anniversary of the murder of George Floyd, and using Maya Angelous for inspiration, Evan explores the idea of “proclaiming liberty” throughout the land, both in Torah and in our modern day.

watch the sermon

Chutzpod Season 2, Episode 13: “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” Guided Meditation

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January 2023, Evan provided the guided meditation for Chutzpod, reviving one of Dr. King’s key questions: Where do we go from here, chaos or community?

Listen to the podcast

Senior Sermon at HUC-JIR

Parashat Vayeira
November 2, 2023
HUC-JIR in New York City

“Our test is trying to live to the best of our abilities in justice and righteousness in every aspect of our work. It is to be holy leaders, not a bookshelf containing books. It is to lead bold communities, not organize a social club. It is to look around, wherever we are working, and know that there is someone being stepped on by our society and choosing to do something. It is taking on an issue, or several issues, and putting it at the center of our leadership. It is being strong and courageous with our beliefs and actions. It is overcoming the fears of hard conversations, becoming unpopular, or losing opportunities. It is to lead with nuance and care, and never lose sight of the larger picture of humanity.”
(Sermon Begins at 49:30)

What I’m Reading

Conflict Resolution for Holy Beings – Joy Harjo

Beautiful poetry collection that pulls together many topics, ideas, and feelings.

Atomic Habits – James Clear

A great “how-to” guide for building small, but powerful habits that can lead to growth, learning, and success.

All We Can Save – Edited by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson & Katherine Wilkinson

Essay collection with essays and poetry about the past, present, and future work of addressing climate change.