Linda K. Bledsoe, Ph.D.

Name Linda K. Bledsoe
How long have you been a member of The Temple? 20+ years
Why did you decide to join The Temple? Like most people, I see myself as a spiritual person. I felt that I needed to be part of the Temple in order to nurture the spiritual side of myself, but also to be challenged and supported to do mitzvot and to take part in tikkun olam.
What is your favorite holiday (it doesn’t have to be Jewish)? Passover is my favorite holiday. In some ways, Passover seems to address all aspects of Jewish history and life.
What is your favorite Temple memory? Many of my favorite Temple memories happened at the Women’s Shabbaton that Rabbi Gaylia used to offer each summer. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn, but also to deepen friendships and have fun.
What are some of your hobbies and interests? I am a reader. As a social psychologist, I am always reading the current research. Right now, one of the hot topics in research is the microbiome and how it impacts our brains and moods. Fascinating. For fun, I read lots of murder mysteries. I read recently published mysteries and the oldies but goodies. Right now, I am reading Come to Grief by Dick Frances. Also, I play the piano, do yoga, volunteer, and watch movies. I am a big fan of the classic movies from the 1930’s and 40’s.
What is your favorite volunteer activity? I very much enjoy being a part of the Women of Reform Judaism Board. The other women on the Board are very committed to doing good for the Temple, the Jewish community, and the larger community. They are wise and knowledgeable, so I am always learning from them. And, they are fun! Through WRJ, I have opportunities to be a part of a wide variety of volunteer activities – from baking for the onegs to offering arts and crafts activities to children at the Home of the Innocents.
What was your first car? Do you miss it? The first car I ever bought was a used 1972 Toyota Corolla. It was a manual four-speed with a manual choke. Yes, you had to know just how far to adjust the choke based on the weather that day to start the car. No air conditioning. Do I miss it? Not really, I have fond memories of it, but I like air conditioning.
What do you want to be when you grow up? I hope to never completely ‘grow up’, but my goal is to always continue to grow — to learn new things, to meet new people, and to have new experiences. I think the world is a better place when we hold on to a little bit of the child in us and are playful and open.