The Rabbi with Barbells

Rabbi Carolyn Braun is the state of Portland’s first female Conservative rabbi. Although coming from a non-religious family, knew that she wanted to become a rabbi at the age of 10. However, her story gets even more unconventional. Fitness had always been a part of her life, as she used to run. She also worked out with Israelson (member of six US powerlifting teams and a two-time world champion) where she worked on general fitness and strength training, before Israelson suggested powerlifting. Fast-forward March of 2017, Braun competed in her state’s first-ever all-woman’s powerlifting competition, lifting almost 600 pounds across three events. She says, “In powerlifting, you have to be very centered, very balanced. Somebody’s helping you do that… It balances my life incredibly”.