Meet the TBT Staff

Rabbi Iah Pillsbury (she/they) is honored to serve as the rabbi of Temple Beit Torah. Rabbi Pillsbury is an artist, activist, teacher, and builder. They teach and guide groups of all ages, lead shabbat and holiday services, officiate and prepare folks for all life-cycle ceremonies, engage in community building and organizing, and produce ketubot and other ritual text and artifacts. Rabbi Pillsbury is deeply committed to tikkun olam, repairing the world, and building healthier communities and relationships to community. She serves on the board of Family Promise Colorado Springs and is co-chair of Colorado Springs Faith Table.

Before becoming the rabbi of Temple Beit Torah, Rabbi Pillsbury served a variety of communities all over Ohio-- from college campuses to retirement homes, reform congregations to humanist, in academic settings and communal settings. Rabbi Pillsbury graduated with honors from the University of Chicago and was ordained by Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion.

In their spare time, Rabbi Pillsbury enjoys hiking with her wife Anna and spending time with their amazing cat. She is overjoyed to be here in Colorado Springs, helping you make your world and our world a better more meaningful place.

Rabbi Pillsbury is available most Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays to meet in person or on zoom. Email them rabbi@beit-torah.org to set up a time to chat.

Ruthie Markwardt (Temple Adminstrator) (she/her) is excited to step into the role of Temple Administrator to start off the year of 5786, which includes many of our office tasks as well as handling communications between the BOD, Congregants and the Community. Ruthie is also a farmer and educator at Flying Pig Farm in Manitou and loves the wisdom that the Jewish calendar and holidays offer for living life in touch with natural rhythms and ancient wisdom. She has lived in the Colorado Springs area since 2010 with extensive experience in local nonprofits especially in food systems and community building.

Outside of temple activities, Ruthie enjoys snuggling her two cats or spending time outside especially when it involves taking her herd of 6 goats for grazing walks! You may see her riding her bike around town or reading at a local coffee shop.

She is here as a resource to TBT community so feel free to reach out at TBT@beit-torah.org

Ruthie's usual working days are Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays but if you are needing access to the synagogue it is best to coordinate beforehand as much of her work happens remotely.