Stephanie Marshall recently started her position as Assistant Chaplain for Jewish Life, after Gail Bretan’s retirement in Spring 2024. Marshall’s last position was as a Jewish education manager for the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston and has worked in several synagogues and religious schools.
This interview was conducted over email and edited for brevity and clarity.
The Old Gold & Black: Tell me a bit about yourself!
Marshall: The first thing I would say about myself is how happy I am to be at Wake Forest and how much I look forward to getting to know everyone, especially the Jewish Community here. I also look forward to exploring Winston-Salem and the surrounding area.
For fun, I love going to art, music and cultural festivals. I enjoy hanging out with friends and getting to know new people. I also love cooking and trying new foods and recipes. I am very committed to living an authentic Jewish life and continuing to learn and grow.
I currently share my house with two very demanding and vocal cats, Simcha (Joy) and Neshama (Soul).
Can you talk about your journey — what led you to this role, being a leader and guide in your faith?
I often say that my career as a Jewish professional is as much of a calling as a choice. I started in an unconventional way. Shortly after I graduated from college, I was asked to teach a Sunday School class. My initial response was that I didn’t know enough, as I had never gone to religious school. I was assured that if I stayed one chapter ahead of my students, I would be fine. I discovered I loved teaching and creating lessons and programs.
As I grew in my career, I found that I loved helping others engage and grow in their own faith. I also developed a passion for social justice and interfaith dialogue. I love engaging with students of all ages. While most of my experience has been with families and K-12th grade students, I was ready for a shift in my career. The role as the Assistant Chaplain for Jewish Life allows me to do what I love while growing and learning.
What about the Jewish community here at Wake Forest drew you in — was there a moment of realization that this was where you needed to be?
There are so many things that drew me to Wake Forest. The Jewish Community may be small, but it is very active. I am impressed with the passion of the student leaders and all the Jewish students I have met so far. I am also very pleased with the support that the Jewish community has here at Wake Forest. The Jewish community here is not homogeneous, which means we can all learn from each other. I really appreciate all the ways that Wake Forest supports its students, faculty and staff. That was definitely part of the draw for me. I also think we are in a time when all college students, and particularly Jewish students, need support, and I am very happy that I can use my skills and experiences to be part of that support system.
In Spring 2024, Assistant Chaplain for Jewish Life Gail Bretan retired, after 10 years of working within the University’s Jewish community. Bretan was a pillar of the Jewish community, how do you plan to help students with this shift in guidance?
While Gail left big shoes to fill, I am looking forward to getting to know the students here and building relationships. I listen to what each person has to say. While I certainly want to continue with successful programs that have been done, I am eager to hear what students want and create programs that meet their current needs. I am also building strong connections with the whole Triad area Jewish community and creating partnerships.
Beyond engaging Jewish students, what do you hope to do with the broader campus, in terms of engagement and support?
I hope to offer something for everyone by creating a variety of opportunities. I want to make sure that Jewish faculty and staff know they have my support, and I am invested in continuing to build a strong community. I also want to partner with many departments on campus. With the other Chaplains, I want to help build bridges and create interfaith dialogues and offerings.
What is your goal in this new role? How do you plan to support and engage the Jewish community here at Wake Forest?
My goal is to open the doors for learning about Judaism and Jewish topics and to engage as many people as possible. I want everyone on campus to feel supported by the work I do.
