Touring Artist/Worship Music Leader/Educator, Brooklyn, NY

Naomi Less (Lab/Shul Founding Worship Leader and Associate Director) is an internationally celebrated singer/musician, composer, ritualist, activist/educator and radio host (Jewish Rock Radio’s “Jewish Women Rock Show”). Musical, educational and spiritual training from JTS Davidson School, Institute for Jewish Spirituality, ChangeCraft (formerly Center for Leadership Initiatives) and Northwestern University.

Currently, Naomi is co-creating a multidisciplinary traveling performance piece based on narratives of fertility journeys and challenges (Uprooted: a Jewish Response to Fertility Journeys and the In(HEIR)itance Project). The show will premier in NYC in March, 2018 in NYC. (Funded by the UJA Federation of New York). She is psyched to direct the SLBC Teen Track!

Touring Artist/Educator

We are proud to bring back beloved, featured presenter, Shira Kline, to the 2017 SLBC National Conference. An award winning New York-based performer and music educator, Shira travels both nationally and internationally with her kiddie-rock band, Shir LaLa, delivering a dynamic, interactive program of joy and spirit, story and song.
Shira is an outspoken supporter of active learning and practicing presentation skills in a real-world setting in order to achieve mastery. “Doing it in front of the mirror will only get you so far. SLBC is a really great safe environment for people to climb up those steps, trip fall down, smile get back up, try it again and make their way to the top,” she said.

Screen Shot 2013-12-11 at 1.03.39 PMRaised in the world of music and the tradition of Torah, Shira has worked for over a decade with a diverse array of Jewish communities to enliven rituals, holiday celebrations, and love for Jewish life and prayer. Shira’s innovative approach was recognized by The Jewish Week in 2011 when they honored her as one of their “36 Under 36: The New Re-Engineers” of Jewish life.

Shira is a worship leader and presents engaging programs for all ages, including Tot Shabbat, adult Jewish music meditation and professional development workshops for early childhood and music teachers. She is also on the faculty of Hava Nashira, URJ Jewish Music Institute, and the HUC-JIR Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music Cantorial Certification Program. Shira is a founding company member of Storahtelling and Lab/Shul in which she is an actor, writer, and ritual leader.

Founder/Spiritual Leader, Romenu

Rabbi Ingber was named by Newsweek as one of 2013’s top 50 most influential rabbis in the United States as well as by The Forward as one of the 50 most newsworthy and notable Jews in America, Rabbi David promotes a renewed Jewish mysticism that integrates meditative mindfulness and physical awareness into mainstream, post-modern Judaism. A major 21st Century Jewish thinker and educator, his rich perspective, open heart and mind, and full-bodied approach to Jewish learning has brought him to speak throughout the United States and worldwide throughout Canada, Europe and Israel.

Rabbi David’s distinct approach to Torah, rabbinical teaching, and ritualistic practice is informed by his own personal seeking and learning from a wide cross-section of sacred traditions and faiths. He is enlightened by Jewish mysticism and Chassidut, fusing these beliefs with those of other ancient philosophies and world views. Particular influences include 18th Century Kabbalist and Founder of Chassidut, Rabbi Yisrael Ba’al Shem Tov; the great 19th Century Ishbitzer Rebbe, R. Mordechai Leiner; and leading 20th Century thinkers from Kabbalist, Rav Abraham Isaac Kook to psychologist, Carl Jung and integral philosopher, Ken Wilber.

Rabbi David has taught at such eminent institutions as the Academy for Jewish Religion, Columbia University, CUNY, Jewish Theological Seminary, Limmud LA, New York University, the 92nd Street Y, Pardes, The Skirball Center at Temple Emmanuel, and Yeshivat HADAR. He sits on the Board of Directors of Aleph and Synagogue 3000 Next Dor’s Working Group of Sacred Emergent Communities where he continues to teach.

Raised Modern Orthodox in New York, Rabbi David studied at several distinguished yeshivot in Jerusalem and New York including Yeshiva University, Beit Midrash L’Torah, Yeshivat Chaim Berlin, and Yeshivat Chovovei Torah Rabbinical School. He also studied philosophy, psychology and religion at New York University. Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, founder of Renewal Judaism, ordained Rabbi David in 2004. Prior to founding Romemu, Rabbi David was Rabbi-in-Residence at Elat Chayyim Retreat Center.

Traveling Cantor/Educator

Cantor Ellen Dreskin is an innovative leader in today’s reform movement. Her expertise extends from music to synagogue transformation, from experiential education to enlivened liturgy and mysticism. She has worked with Jews of all denominations from Houston to Chicago and Los Angeles to Boston, both as a scholar in residence and in her capacity as past Director of Programs for Synagogue 2000, a national, notfor-profit institute dedicated to revitalizing and re-energizing synagogue life in North America.

Ellen has served as Cantor and Educator for congregations in Cleveland and New York, and has taught for many years on the faculty of URJ Summer Kallot, Hava Nashira, and the URJ Kutz Camp Leadership Academy. She is a native Texan, a graduate of HUC-JIR School of Sacred Music, has a Master’s Degree in Jewish Communal Service from Brandeis University, and is proud to have received her honorary Doctorate of Music from Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion.

Touring Artist/Educator, SLBC Founder & Executive Director

Rick Recht is the executive director of SLBC and the top-touring musician in Jewish music playing over 150 concerts a year in the United States and abroad. Recht is widely recognized for his appeal to youth and family audiences not only as an exceptional musician, singer/songwriter, and entertainer, but also as a role model for involvement in Jewish life. He has become an icon for Jewish youth in the United States, elevating the medium of Jewish music as a powerful and effective tool for developing Jewish pride and identity among the masses. Recht is the national music spokesman for The PJ Library and the founder and executive director of Jewish Rock Radio (501c3), the first high-caliber, 24/7, Jewish rock internet radio station.

Fingerhut Professor of Education, Graduate Center for Education at AJU

Ron Wolfson, Ph.D. is the Fingerhut Professor of Education in the Graduate Center for Education. He joined the AJU faculty in 1975 as an Acting Professor.During his 40-plus year career at AJU, he has served as Director of the Education Department, founding Director of the Whizin Center for the Jewish Future, Director of the Ramah Academy, Dean of the Fingerhut School of Education, Special Assistant to the President, and Vice President of the University. He is the author of Relational Judaism and the co-author with Rabbi Nicole Auerbach and Rabbi Lydia Medwin of The Relational Judaism Handbook: How to Create a Relational Engagement Campaign to Build and Deepen Relationships in Your Community.

Dr. Wolfson is a frequent scholar-in-residence for synagogues and communities, speaking on a wide range of topics in Jewish life, a co-founder of Synagogue 3000, an institute whose mission is to catalyze excellence in synagogue life, and a pioneer in the field of Jewish family education.

Touring Artist/Educator, Asheville, NC

Billy Jonas is a songsmith, multi-instrumentalist, Jewish educator, and multi-faith advocate. Since 1987 he has captivated audiences worldwide, using voice, guitar and “industrial re-percussion” (instruments made from found objects). He currently tours with his voice and percussion quartet, “The Billy Jonas Band,” and additionally with a Muslim/Christian/Jewish songwriter trio, “Abraham Jam”. Billy’s work at Temple Beth HaTephila in Asheville, NC inspired his first Jewish-focused CD “habayta (homeward)” (2015). His second Jewish-themed release, “Toot the Horn!”, was released by the PJ Library (2017). Jonas has also created “general audience” and “family” oriented CDs/DVD’S, which have received multiple awards, including a First Place/Gold from American Federation of Independent Musicians, and multiple Parents’ Choice Gold awards. He lives in Asheville, NC with his wife Adrian, daughter Laila, and a great big garden.

Touring Artist/Educator

Ellen is a multi-award winning Recording Artist, Composer, Performer, and Educator, is one of the most popular and influential children’s musicians and educators on today’s vibrant Jewish Early Childhood music scene. With over 30 years experience performing and teaching for young children and their grownups in both the world of secular and Jewish music, Ellen’s catalog includes 14 recordings and 7 songbooks, a growing library of over 250 songs that she has composed, and 28 recordings and 10 books by other publishers that include her music. Ellen charms audiences with her interactive, infectious, and entertaining music.

Ellen draws on a rich tradition of musical experiences in presenting her lively and captivating performances, keynotes and workshops for family audiences and educational conferences across the United States, Canada and abroad. A former Elementary School Vocal Music teacher and Early Childhood classroom and music teacher, she is a classically trained pianist, having begun her formal piano studies at the age of five. She studied flute and piccolo through elementary and high school, and taught herself to play acoustic guitar while a student in college. She also dabbles with djembe, banjo, ukulele, autoharp, recorder, and spoons!

Ellen is a graduate of Boston University, with a Bachelor’s degree in Music. She earned her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Arcadia University and is a Certified Holistic Health Coach trained at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition in NYC. Ellen is certified to teach Baby/Toddler Yoga for babies through 2 year olds, and Kidding Around Yoga and Yoga Yeladim for 3 – 12 year olds. Blessed with 2 beautiful adult daughters, 2 sweet sons-in-law, and 3 delicious grandsons, Ellen makes her home in Worcester, MA. Learn more about Ellen at www.ellenallard.com

Director of Jewish Engagement & Adult Programs at the Ruth & Harold Sher Center of Jewish Life

Rabbi Brad Horwitz began his current position at the St. Louis Jewish Community Center in 2005 where he directs the JCC Ruth & Harold Sher Center of Jewish Life and supervises all JCC Jewish adult, cultural, senior services, community and family education programming. He graduated from the Jewish Theological Seminary (New York) in 2000 but is originally from Los Angeles, CA. In addition to his rabbinic ordination, he earned a Master’s in Jewish Education (MJE) and has leadership experience at many Jewish camps and day schools. As a graduate of the Day School Leadership Training Institute, Rabbi Brad is well versed in Jewish educational leadership both in formal and informal settings. He has particular expertise in prayer education and is the author of With All Your Heart: A Weekday Siddur that is currently in use at over fifty Jewish schools and religious institutions worldwide. Brad is a loving husband and proud father of three boys who has a penchant for cycling.

Informal Education Expert, SLBC Program Director

Elisa Heiligman Recht is a Jewish community leader and educator with extensive experience in Jewish youth programming, camping, and teaching. Elisa regularly serves as a consultant for Jewish organizations throughout the US helping to develop powerful and effective strategies for creating exciting youth engagement experiences in Jewish settings. Elisa creates Jewish educational curricula and sprearheads the educational programming of the Songleader Boot Camp. Elisa holds undergraduate degrees in social work, Hebrew and Jewish studies, as well as a masters degree in social work from Washington University. Elisa is the founder of Soul Sparkler Jewelry and presents interactive, educational programs in Jewish communities throughout the US, inspiring audiences to achieve life balance through intention, gratitude, and wellness strategies.

Mikey Pauker (pronounced pow-ker) is a folk/world artist from Berkeley, California. His new album, ASCENSION, is an invitation to listen to the call of our inner wilderness and to greet our darkness with understanding and an open heart. It was recorded in raw, live instrumental sessions — a departure from Mikey’s more electronic past recordings — under the guidance of Grammy-nominated producer Warren Huart (The Fray, Trevor Hall, Matisyahu). With songs like “Say Yes” and “I AM”, listeners are elevated with catchy melodic hooks and reggae/rock beats. Inspired by the recent California wildfires and hurricanes that have swept Texas and Florida this past season, “Believe” reminds us that these tragedies are opportunities to rebalance our relationship with our planet and the communities we surround ourselves with.

Growing up in Orange County, Mikey’s early experiences at underground shows exposed him to the intense, primal energy of live music, as well as the strong community bonds that form in an authentic and close-knit scene. Inspired by teachers who blend yoga and mystical practices he went to study in Jerusalem, soaking up the hidden teachings of his ancestral lineage. These spiritual dimensions guided his artistic development as he explored ecstatic music festivals and mystical religious traditions. His music implores us all to look within, sit with our darkness, and transform it into light. Mikey’s sound blends elements of folk, reggae, and hip-hop, incorporating English and Hebrew roots into his devotional songwriting. Mikey’s music draws from influences such as early Bob Marley, Van Morrison, and The Police, and listeners will immediately identify his style to the likes of Michael Franti, Trevor Hall and artists such as Mike Love and Stick Figure.

Mikey has shared the stage with Matisyahu, Donavon Frankenreiter, Trevor Hall, Local Natives, MOONZz, The Polish Ambassador, Ayla Nereo, Mike Love, MC Yogi, Kosha Dillz, Tubby Love, and many more. Notable performance highlights include SXSW, Lucidity, Beloved, Bhakti Fest, Mystic Rising, SoulPlay, and Chant 4 Change on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Mikey’s new album ASCENSION was released on January 26th, 2018, and will be supported by extensive touring.

Senior Vice-President, Mandel Center for Jewish Education

Dr. David Ackerman, director of the Mandel Center for Jewish Education, has over 25 years experience in Jewish camping. He received his Ph.D. in Special Education at UCLA and was instrumental in establishing numerous programs for Jewish children with disabilities. He has worked in all levels of formal and informal Jewish education from early childhood through graduate teacher training. He lectures widely on Israel, prayer and spirituality, children with special needs, and the arts in education. The Mandel Center for Jewish Education, funded by a generous grant from the Mandel Foundation, helps JCCs improve their ability to be excellent venues for Jewish living and learning. Its primary focus is the Jewish and educational training and development of senior personnel, along with elevating the Judaic nature of JCCs in all program areas.  Prior to coming to the MCJE, Ackerman was the director of educational services at the Bureau of Jewish Education of Greater Los Angeles.

Touring Artist/Educator

Eliana Light is an award winning songwriter and educator who empowers people to make Judaism their own through song, experiential education, and prayer. She has put out two albums of original Jewish music, A New Light and Eliana Sings (About Jewish Things!), and travels the country providing artist-in-residence weekends, teaching at conferences, and consulting with synagogues to create intentional, meaningful prayer experiences for adults and children alike.

Eliana is the author of Hebrew in Harmony, a curriculum published by Behrman House that teaches prayer and Hebrew through music. She is also the founder of the G!D Project, an educational initiative focused on accessible, meaningful conversations about G!D and spirituality through ritual, text, and creativity. Eliana received her Masters in Jewish Experiential Education from the Jewish Theological Seminary in 2016, and is based in New York City. www.elianalight.com

Touring Artist/Educator

Based in Los Angeles, musician and songleader Charlie Kramer weaves performances rooted in deep connection, expertly combining song and spirit for an unparalleled communal experience. Charlie’s music, indie folk-rock rooted in celebrating Jewish tradition, stems from a lifelong spiritual journey — one that he has made his mission to share with listeners through magnetic, intimate, soul-driven songleading.

Though Charlie always manages to create beauty on his own, he shines when collaborating with local singer-songwriters and utilizing community participation. By merging his skills in songleading and songwriting, Charlie’s music fosters a community that encourages vibrant, spiritual insights. Charlie’s impact as a musician goes far beyond simply putting out impressive folk-rock tracks — more accurately, he is in the business of making special moments and memories. Each song is fused with high energy and human spirit, serving as a direct link between Charlie and his listeners.

Director of PJ Goes to School, PJ Library

Lisa Litman is the Director of PJ Goes to School, PJ Library’s initiative to enhance the Jewish content of the early childhood classroom. Under Lisa’s directorship PJ Goes to school has more than doubled in size. She joined PJ Library after 10 years as co-creator and Director of An Ethical Start®, a values-based curriculum created for JCC Association. Before that Lisa was a Jewish super hero, Captain Tikkun – complete with suit and cape – teaching families about repairing the world. Lisa has skills ranging from curriculum writing and conference coordination to music composition and theatre directing. Lisa has a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences from the University of Pennsylvania and a Masters in Jewish Education from Gratz College.

Director of Congregational Engagement and Outreach, The Temple, Atlanta, GA

Rabbi Lydia Medwin is the Director of Congregational Engagement and Outreach at The Temple in Atlanta, GA. She was ordained on the Los Angeles campus of Hebrew Union College in May of 2010. While there, she received a Masters of Hebrew Letters and a Masters in Jewish Education from the Rhea Hirsch School.

A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Lydia attended the University of Texas in Austin (hook ’em) and Hebrew University for undergraduate studies, earning degrees in Middle Eastern Studies and Honors Humanities. Between undergraduate and graduate studies, she worked as the education director for a synagogue in Jackson, Mississippi, and traveled to places as varied as South Africa, Peru, and Greece.

While in rabbinic school, Lydia met her husband, Dan Medwin, and they and their three children, Zimra, Gavi and Jasmine, are thrilled to be a part of The Temple community. Lydia is a co-Author with Dr. Ron Wolfson and Rabbi Nicole Auerbach on the forthcoming The Relational Judaism Handbook: How to Create a Relational Engagement Campaign to Build and Deepen Relationships in Your Community (Kripke Institute). Purpose and people are at the center of what Rabbi Medwin believes a synagogue community should be about – she’s excited to learn and create with you.

Director of Congregational Engagement, Central Synagogue, New York City

Rabbi Nicole Auerbach is the Director of Congregational Engagement at Central Synagogue in New York City. She joined Central in 2016 as the Reform Movement’s first-ever Rabbi for Small Groups, creating and supporting lay-led groups of congregants that come together on a regular basis to build relationships, explore shared passions, and connect with Jewish tradition. Ordained by HUC-JIR in New York, she is the author, with Dr. Ron Wolfson and Rabbi Lydia Medwin, of The Relational Judaism Handbook: How to Create a Relational Engagement Campaign to Build and Deepen Relationships in Your Community (Kripke Institute, 2018).