As a member of the first class of women to be ordained at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York, Toba August recognizes the power of educators to shape the next generation of Jewish leaders. After her ordination, she served in positions across Florida and California, including as senior rabbi at Congregation Adat Shalom in Los Angeles. August now serves as rabbi and co-director of the religious school at Temple Shalom of the South Bay in Hermosa Beach, California. For sixteen years, she has been a core faculty instructor at the Academy of Jewish Religion, teaching Bible and Rabbinic texts. August is the founding and current rabbi of Lev Eisha, a 20-year-old community of Jewish women who participate in Shabbat services, study, meditation groups, and more.