Avis Clamitz Shulman (1908-1991) was a significant figure in the early history of women in the American rabbinate. In the 1920s, Clamitz enrolled in the Hebrew Union College (HUC) rabbinical program, graduating in 1927, and periodically served as a rabbi in an unofficial capacity for small congregations in Virginia.[1][2] In some instances, newspaper reports would describe Clamitz as occupying the role of a rabbi. In 1935, and later in 1946, Clamitz was reported to have completed her studies and received ordination.[3][4] However, according to later researchers, the HUC program granted Clamitz a Bachelor of Hebrew Letters in place of an ordination.[2]
Clamitz's parents were Samuel Clamitz (d. 1934) and Bertha Appel.[5][6] On June 27, 1929 Clamitz was married to Rabbi Charles E. Shulman. They had one child, Deborah Louise.[7][8]
^Shevitz, Amy Hill. (2007). Jewish Communities on the Ohio River: A History. University Press of Kentucky, page 157.
^ abShuly Rubin Schwartz, “Serving the Jewish People: The Rebbetzin as Religious Leader,” in Jewish Religious Leadership: Image and Reality, ed. Jack Wertheimer (New York: Jewish Theological Seminary Press, 2004) 2:634.
^"Woman rabbi to address B'nai B'rith on 'intolerance'". Democrat and Chronicle. Rochester, New York. 1 Apr 1935.
^"Only ordained woman rabbi to speak here". The Wisconsin Jewish Journal. Milwaukee, Wisconsin: The Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle. 13 Sep 1946.
^"Death Notices". The Reform Advocate. The Reform Advocate. 27 Jan 1934. p. 15.
^"Obituary". The Sentinel. The Sentinel. 1 Feb 1934. p. 22.
