Co-President Update

 

Rebecca Shurz (she/her): I arrived in Los Angeles, from London, in late 2015. In summer 2016 I realized I needed somewhere for Rosh Hashana and I came to Kol Ami after I saw the focus on social justice on the website and because I’d seen Kol Ami represented at Pride. I enjoyed the sermons and everyone I met was genuine and non-judgemental of me, as an outsider and someone in a mixed faith relationship; it felt like a special community. I started attending services, got involved in Tzedek Council and RAC-CA through that, then the Board. I’m honored to now be serving as co-president with Leonard. Outside Kol Ami, I’m a Tech Consultant, when I’m not doing that I walk the dogs, get to the farmer’s market and appreciate the So-Cal weather. 

 

Leonard Slutsky (he/him): After moving to Los Angeles from Connecticut in 2015, my boyfriend Evin Rolens and I had shul shopped for three years before learning about Kol Ami. We were so lucky to learn about this community that welcomes and celebrates the intersectionality of Jewish life, LGBTQ+ identities, and social justice. As a member, I have been an active participant and leader in The Open Yad Project (our 20s and 30s group). Before becoming co-president, I served one year on the board and one year on the executive committee. Outside of Kol Ami, you can find me catching a show at the Hollywood Bowl or Pantages, volunteering for The Trevor Project, or playing with my dog Chompers. I recently graduated with my Master of Public Administration from USC--Fight On!