Rabbi Debra Kolodny
BAJC welcomed Rabbi Debra as their new spiritual leader on Monday, August 11, 2025.
Prior to ordination Rabbi Debra (they/them) had a rewarding career in the labor movement, organization development consulting, and conflict transformation. Since 1998 they have been serving spiritually nourishing, musically lyrical, civically engaged Jewish congregations, national non-profits and interfaith coalitions.
Among other amazing deployments, Rabbi Debra led ALEPH (Alliance for Jewish Renewal) for nine years, where they supported Renewal communities, strengthened the architecture for Renewal’s sustainability, and studied with some of the greatest Jewish teachers in the world.
Rabbi Debra loves teaching children and adults, bringing innovative approaches to prayer and meditation, and supporting strong, caring communities that honor difference and do good in the world.
Martha Hurwitz, Part-Time Administrator
I officially retired in 2014 after working numerous types of jobs: secretary at several different non-profits, legal secretary, volunteer coordinator for Heifer International, and case manager at a residential treatment center for adolescent boys with serious behavioral issues. I also co-owned and operated a pick-your-own strawberry farm for several years. I started working at BAJC in February of 2022.
I love studying Torah even when it infuriates me, writing poetry and prayer, doing word puzzles, Connections and Strands.