Avis Clamitz

Avis Clamitz Shulman was a notable figure in the early history of women in the American rabbinate, born in 1908. She pursued her studies at the Hebrew Union College, enrolling in the rabbinical program in the 1920s and graduating in 1927. Following her graduation, Clamitz periodically served small congregations in Virginia, often in an unofficial rabbinic capacity. Her role was occasionally acknowledged as that of a rabbi in newspaper reports, highlighting her involvement in the community.

Clamitz's educational background and credentials were subject to some variation in reporting. In 1935 and again in 1946, it was reported that she had completed her studies and received ordination. However, later research revealed that she was actually awarded a Bachelor of Hebrew Letters by the Hebrew Union College, rather than ordination. Clamitz passed away in 1991, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneering figure in the history of women in the American rabbinate.