
Rabbi Michelle Johns
Michelle's Hebrew name is Avivah Bat'Avraham. This was the name that was chosen during her conversion. She uses these names interchangeably. Avivah is a Torah Scholar, mentor, counselor, author, blogger, and Morah (Teacher). She was water-immersed into the body of Messiah Yeshua in 2006, and six months after her immersion, she began walking in the power of the Ruach HaKodesh. She has attended Messianic, Reformed, and Conservative synagogues over the years. For more than 18 years, Avivah has been Torah observant.
​
Avivah is an alumna of: Bossier Parish Community College where she received a Certificate and an Associate of Arts in General Studies, 2015 Judaic Studies Institute where she received a Certificate, an Associate, and Bachelor of Judaic Studies 2017/2020, Louisiana State University at Shreveport where she received a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies, 2017, the University of Louisiana at Monroe where she received a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice, 2020, American Public University where she received a Master of Arts in Sociology, 2025 and a Graduate Certificate equivalent in Psychology & Counseling, 2026, and lastly at the Judaic Studies Institute where she received her Ph.D, 2021. Avivah received her Smicha (Rabbinic Ordination) through Tree of Life Messianic Ministries in 2024.
Her love for Torah, teaching, and the body of Yeshua has led her to her current career path. In addition to her roles as Chief Administrative Officer, Beit Din Member, and Professor at JSI Yeshiva, she is also a Lecturer of Criminal Justice at a secular university.