Rabbi Bec Richman
An artist and a rabbi, Bec brings ancient teachings to life through the work of her hands as a Hebrew calligrapher, soferet (scribe), and potter.
Bec (she/her) is a mama, soferet (scribe), Hebrew calligrapher, and potter. Bec began training as a soferet (scribe) in 2017 with Jen Taylor Friedman while she was studying to become a rabbi. She continued her learning with Rabbi Dov Laimon and studied Hebrew calligraphy with Izzy Pludwinsky, Sharon Binder, and Michel D'anastasio. In addition to writing sacred texts and producing original calligraphic pieces, she facilitates scribal arts workshops, community writing projects, and participatory Torah repairs in communities nationwide.
As a potter, Bec creates functional and conceptual sacred objects. She brings a centuries-old surface decoration technology to modern ceramics, integrating Hebrew lettering in sculptural work and Judaica.
Bec is on the Faculty of the Jewish Studio Project and is a co-creator of a Jewish mama’s art circle. A facilitator of the Jewish Studio Process for communities across the country, Bec weaves together textual learning, art making, and reflective process.
Bec sells individual pieces, accepts commissions for calligraphy and ceramic pieces, is available for writing and designing ketubot, can be hired for speaking engagements about safrut (scribal arts, including Torah maintenance and repair), and can be hired to facilitate the Jewish Studio Process.
A graduate of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College and an alumna of the Wexner Graduate Fellowship, Bec lives in Cleveland Heights, OH with her partner and two kiddos.