Elias Zwang grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area in a family that at various times belonged to reform, conservative, and Chabad synagogues. This gave him an appreciation for the beautiful diversity of modern Jewish life as well as the challenges facing our future. Upon graduating from Vassar College with a BA in Psychology and Art History, Elias moved to Israel where he hiked the entire 500 mile Israel National Trail. He made Aliyah in 2012 and for three years worked in non-governmental organizations Continue reading →

In 1994, Galit accepted the cantorial position at Congregation Sholom of Leisure World in Seal Beach, California, eventually moving into Leisure World, a gated retirement community of 9,000. It became increasingly clear that the Jewish community of Leisure World needed a rabbi, one who was an integral part of this unique community and so Galit began to explore the possibility of becoming a rabbi. She found the perfect solution through JSLI (Jewish Spiritual Leaders Institute), founded by Rabbi Steve Blane. Rabbi Blane and JSLI were Continue reading →

Rabbi Nancy Tunick is a Nashville, TN based Rabbi, cantorial soloist and composer who has served congregations in Philadelphia, PA; Meridian, MS; Jacksonville, FL and currently serves as Rabbi and cantorial soloist for Temple B’nai Israel in Florence, AL. Tunick began serving Temple B’nai Israel as their cantorial soloist and composer in 2000 and became the congregation’s spiritual leader in 2008.  She was ordained as a Rabbi in July 2013 as part of JSLI’s 6th graduating class. Tunick is a graduate of Temple University with Continue reading →

Rabbi Karen Becker-Marcelo took her passion of Judaism, working with people and teaching, to it’s culmination, by receiving smicha from the Jewish Spiritual Leadership Institute in January 2017. As a member of Union of Jewish Universalist Communities (UJUC),  she embraces the doctrines of Jewish Universalism including  encouraging ‘Interfaith families and all people to participate in our Jewish worship and rituals.’Rabbi Karen is a rabbi at SimShalom Online Synagogue,a Jewish Universalist online synagogue, leading weeknight Ma’ariv services. Her family was not religious, but had a strong Jewish Continue reading →

Rabbi Deborah McKenzie has served as a Jewish spiritual leader and counselor for more than 20 years.  She works interfaith and people of faith who seek to enhance or add a Jewish spiritual perspective to their understanding and experiences. As lifelong learner, Rabbi Deborah enjoys studying and engaging on the Tanach and wisdom of the Rabbi to find practical relevance and application for today’s reality.  She also enjoys examining scientific principles within the texts.  Her love of Torah and teaching she attributes to her parents Continue reading →