Rewriting Tradition: Spirituality, Storytelling & Plant-Based Cooking with Rabbi Dr. Jo David
On this week’s episode of The Wild Party Podcast, I had the distinct pleasure of speaking with Rabbi Dr. Jo David, a woman whose life story is anything but conventional. A groundbreaking female rabbi, cultural storyteller, romance novelist, and devoted vegan, Jo's journey is filled with bold decisions, deep reflection, and a commitment to inclusivity and meaning in every aspect of her life.
A Spiritual Calling That Defied Convention
Rabbi Jo’s path to spiritual leadership was anything but linear. Raised in Brooklyn by Ukrainian and German-Jewish immigrants, her family wasn’t particularly religious, but they were deeply principled. Her grandmother, a communist defector in her early twenties, had the foresight and courage to move her family to America to escape persecution. That spirit of bravery and reinvention clearly runs in Jo’s blood.
Despite having no early female rabbinical role models, Jo’s calling became undeniable during a time of personal and professional searching. While attending synagogue regularly in San Francisco, an unfamiliar Jewish environment compared to her native New York, Jo began to analyze the experience through the lens of a marketer. With a background in advertising and food marketing, she saw gaps in communication, engagement, and emotional connection. Eventually, she realized: “I could do this. And I want to.”
Love, Loss, and Inclusive Leadership
Jo’s passion for inclusive, compassionate spiritual practice was deeply shaped by personal experience. When her brother, raised Jewish, felt rejected by the Jewish community for his interfaith relationship and ultimately converted to evangelical Christianity, Jo saw the emotional and spiritual toll of exclusion. It became clear to her that embracing diverse identities within Jewish life, whether through interfaith, LGBTQ, or non-traditional partnerships, wasn't just necessary. It was urgent.
Today, she is known for creating deeply personal wedding ceremonies that honor not only Jewish tradition but also the unique journey of each couple. Her goal is to preserve Jewish identity while making space for all kinds of love.
Embracing Veganism with Cultural Compassion
Another major chapter in Rabbi Jo’s evolution came when she embraced veganism. Initially motivated by health, she lost over 30 pounds and improved her Type II diabetes. Jo’s transition to a plant-based diet was also spiritual and cultural. It wasn’t easy. As someone raised on traditional Jewish cooking, the shift meant losing a connection to cherished family dishes and holiday meals.
But rather than walk away from those traditions, Jo got to work reimagining them. Her now-famous vegan brisket recipe (featuring jackfruit) is a testament to what’s possible when compassion, culture, and creativity meet in the kitchen. She's also working on vegan-friendly versions of matzo balls and other holiday staples, providing a lifeline for others who want to stay connected to family rituals without compromising their values.
Nola St. James: Writing Romance With Heart (and Recipes)
As if rabbinical work and recipe development weren’t enough, Jo reinvented herself yet again, this time as a Regency romance novelist under the pen name Nola St. James. What started as a personal escape during a difficult time became a new creative career. Her debut novel, The Curse of the Ravenscroft Brides, blends fantasy and romance with subtle themes of difference and acceptance. Her holiday-themed follow-up, Midnight Miracle, even includes a vegan recipe section.
Each book comes with extras: glossaries of Regency terms, discussion questions for book clubs, and plant-based recipes inspired by the story. This isn’t just escapist fiction, it’s a portal into Jo’s mission of education, empathy, and inclusion.
More Than a Life, A Legacy
From groundbreaking rabbinical leadership to literary world-building, Jo’s life is an inspiring example of what it means to keep evolving. She challenges the idea that we have one career, one calling, or one identity. Instead, she models a life of intentional transformation, always asking how her actions can reflect her values and deepen her contribution to others.
You can learn more about Rabbi Jo David’s rabbinical work at rabbijodavid.com and explore her books and recipes under Nola St. James at nolastjames.com.
If you’re navigating your own reinvention or looking to live more aligned with your values, this episode is a must-listen. Rabbi Jo reminds us that it’s never too late to rewrite your story or to add a delicious new chapter.
