Wed, September 17 2025
24 Elul 5785
Our 2020 Honorees
Allan Rich Award for Exemplary Achievement in the Arts & Humanities
We are honoring Kol Ami members Joshua Finkel and Stephen Schmones, M.D. with the Allan Rich Award for Exemplary Achievement in the Arts & Humanities, named in honor of our own congregant Allan Rich. Josh is an award-winning producer, writer, director, actor, and coach— well-known in the theatre arts from the world of Broadway to national regional theatres. Josh has participated in Purim spiels and galas at Kol Ami for years. Steve is an award-winning board-certified OB-GYN practicing in Burbank. Both men use their talent to give back to the community and country wherever it is needed.
Shomer Tzedek "Guardian of Justice" Award
We are honoring Assistant Chief Beatrice M. Girmala with the Shomer Tzedek "Guardian of Justice" Award. A 35-year veteran of the LAPD, Assistant Chief Girmala is the Director, Office of Support Services. She oversees two Bureaus along with Critical Incident Review Division, Fiscal Operations, Division and Behavioral Science Serices. The two Bureaus are Personnel and Training Bureau and Administrative Services Bureau. In addition, she is the Department Coordinator for LGBTQ matters. Assistant Chief Girmala is a friend an ally of Kol Ami and the LGBTQ+ community and has been a guest speaker during Shabbat services at Kol Ami.
Spirit of Kol Ami Award
We are honoring Kol Ami member Jess Winfield with the Spirit of Kol Ami Award for his leadership and dedication to our Tzedek Council and social justice outreach. Jess has represented Kol Ami at the California Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (RAC-CA), spending his own money and time lobbying for issues close to our community. He led the charge to ensure 100% of Kol Ami members were registered to vote during the 2018 mid-term elections and has continued to be our voice for prison, health care, and immigration reform. Jess celebrated his adult Bar Mitzvah this past September after several years of study. He is married to Sa, a ceramicist, and together they devote their time and energy to making the world a better place.
Wed, September 17 2025 24 Elul 5785
