Clergy

Student Rabbi CJ Mays (He/Him) is in his 5th and final year of Rabbinical School at HUC. Originally from Tulsa, OK he studied at the University of Oklahoma and then the University of Delaware pursuing bachelors and masters degrees in Political Science before deciding to become a Rabbi. CJ wanted to combine his interest in social justice with his love of community service and organizing and decided the rabbinate was the best way to do this. Prior to Kol Ami, Student Rabbi CJ has served at Ohr Shalom in Grand Junction, CO and Open Temple in Venice Beach, CA. 

 

CJ is passionate about exploring and developing Jewish ritual practice in new and innovative ways that speak to individual needs and make Judaism relevant for our current world. He also identities as a Reform Neo-Chasid, looking for ways to infuse Hasidic ecstatic spirituality into Reform spaces, allowing for beautiful and transformative spiritual experiences through practices like Reiki, Meditation, Heartfelt Prayer, Study, and Niggunim of course!— For Student Rabbi CJ, there’s no better way to get lost in the divine than a chorus of voices chanting—channeling heavenly energy. 

 

As an out gay man, Student Rabbi CJ is excited to be a part of the beautiful Kol Ami Community. A place where queer love, queer joy, and queer community flows. He looks forward to building this community alongside Rabbi Reznick and all of the Kol Ami family. 

 

CJ is a big plant lover and frequent visitor at Huntington Gardens. He is a sushi connoisseur and absolutely happy to share notes about the best places in LA. CJ is also a passionate progressive Zionist currently serving as a fellow for the iCenter and is an alum of the Leffel-Israel Education fellowship. In his free time CJ is an amateur abstract expressionist, who loves to fling paint around and connect with himself through creativity. If you’re in the mood for art you might see him out and about as he dedicates part of his time as a docent at LACMA —bringing the world of modern art to curious visitors. 

 

 

Cantor Emeritus Mark Saltzman has been a beloved and inspiring presence during his 18 years at Kol Ami. Trained as a classical singer, but comfortable in a variety of styles and periods, Mark creates a warm and inclusive atmosphere. Whether he’s chanting traditional prayers or leading a service of the most recent contemporary Jewish music, he is known for his beautiful singing and heart-filled interpretations.

 

Cantor Saltzman is also a noted composer of liturgical music whose melodies are sung in many congregations throughout the United States. He is proud to be a synagogue composer published by the URJ’s Transcontinental Music division.