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.

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.

Senior Rabbi,Temple Emanuel, Denver, CO

Joseph Black has served as Senior Rabbi of Temple Emanuel in Denver, CO since July, 2010 – previously serving as Rabbi of Congregation Albert in Albuquerque, New Mexico from 1996-2010. He served as Assistant and then Associate Rabbi at Temple Israel in Minneapolis, Minnesota from 1987-1996. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Education from Northwestern University in 1982 and his Master’s degree and Rabbinic Ordination from the Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1987. In 2012 he received an honorary Doctorate of Divinity from HUC-JIR. Rabbi Black serves as a Chaplain in the Colorado House of Representatives and is Past President of the Rocky Mountain Rabbinical Council. A Nationally recognized musician, he has recorded 5 albums of original Jewish music and published two songbooks. He also is an accomplished writer and poet. Rabbi Black has published several poems and articles in leading national literary and academic journals. He is a frequent contributor to anthologies and collections of Jewish writing. He has recorded five critically-acclaimed albums of Jewish music, a songbook and two videos. Two of his songs, Boker Tov and The Afikoman Mambo have been made into Children’s books and distributed by the PJ Library. His most recent book, There Once Was A Man From Canaan: The Five Books of Limerick, is a collection of Limericks based on each torah portion. He has performed his original music in many communities in the United States and Canada and has received numerous honors for his performance and composition. Rabbi Black is a pioneer of Jewish Contemporary music. He has performed for congregations and communities around the world. His recordings and books have received accolades from sources as diverse as The New York Times, Haddasah Magazine, Parent’s Choice, The American Library Journal and Kids First: The Coalition for Quality Children’s Video. As a musician, Rabbi Black is known for his guitar virtuosity, soaring voice and lyrics that are at the same time, funny, inspirational and thought provoking. His music is an extension of his Rabbinate.

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!

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. The “RISE Vulnerable Rally” music video swept the world touching the hearts of over 1 million viewers this past year.

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.

This past year Mikey has supported Rebelution, Stephen Marley, Matisyahu, Dovavon Frankenreiter, The Polish Ambassador, Mike Love, and Stop Light Observations. Notable performance highlights include Reggae On The Rocks, Suwanne Hullaween, Electric Forest, Beloved, Bhakti Fest, Enchanted Forest, and Chant 4 Change on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Mikey has been featured in TIME magazine as one of the 10 Stars of The New Jewish Music. He is also the music director of the center of earth-based judaism: Wilderness Torah.
Stay connected at www.mikeypauker.com.

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.

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.

Congregation Shaare Emeth, St. Louis

Rabbi Andrea Goldstein has served Congregation Shaare Emeth, the largest Reform synagogue in St. Louis, for the past 20 years. For over 10 years she has been weaving mindfulness practices such as meditation, tikkun middot study and yoga into her personal and professional life. She is a graduate of the Institute for Jewish Spirituality’s Rabbinic Leadership Program and the Jewish Mindfulness Meditation Teachers’ Training Program. Rabbi Goldstein finds that these practices bring Judaism alive for her and her community in new and meaningful ways. She is proud to be the founder and director of the Jewish Mindfulness Center of St. Louis, which officially opened in the spring of 2018. The Center offers classes, workshops and holiday celebrations to all, and she is excited and honored to be bringing two workshops to SLBC this year. Rabbi Goldstein is married to Brett Goldstein and is the mother of Macey, Eli, and Lila.

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.

Touring Artist

A Texas native, Joe Buchanan makes Jewish Americana music. Grounded in the idea that there is always room at the table, Joe’s music highlights the values, Torah, and history of the Jewish people to deliver stories steeped in the struggle and triumph of the human spirit, all while praising Gd for the goodness in life. It’s music that you can crank up to 18.

Raised with one foot in Houston and one in the Texas Hill Country, Joe grew up swinging off ropes on the Frio River and spending time like any kid – trying to figure out what was what. The biggest question was about Gd and despite a deep belief in a creator, he couldn’t find much that he agreed with in what he was hearing. The struggle led to more struggles and he finally decided that he and Gd would sort it out later.

Then one day, about 13 years into his marriage, Joe found out that his wife was Jewish.  Now, with the discovery of his wife’s heritage, their family started down a path that would change everything. From the first class and a million questions to the mikvah and beyond, Judaism answered every spiritual question and brought an incredible amount of healing. There is one Gd, we can see Gd in the world and in others, we are going to struggle – that’s ok, we are not damaged goods by any means, and this is the life that matters because this is the one we’ve been given. Amen.

In the five years since his conversion, this Americana artist from Houston, TX has truly found his voice in the history, Torah, and values of the Jewish people. He’s toured the United States, leading an original Shabbat service, playing concerts, and giving a workshop called “Choosing to be Chosen” which is all around his conversion to Judaism and the reasons why so many are coming home. Combining elements of country, roots-rock, and folk, Joe’s music reaches deep to tell personal stories of struggle and triumph. This is feel-good, toe-tapping, Americana with a Jewish Soul.

His debut album, Unbroken,  is filled with music that speaks to the incredible beauty of finding a home after a lifetime of searching. Produced by The Pioneer of Jewish Blues, Saul Kaye (www.saulkaye.com), and recorded live off the floor at the world famous Fantasy Studios, Unbroken is 14 tracks of Original, Jewish Americana.

Director, National Ramah Tikvah Network

Howard Blas currently serves as director of the National Ramah Tikvah Network of the National Ramah Commission and of the Tikvah Program at Camp Ramah in Northern California. (https://www.campramah.org/tikvah-programs). Howard previously served as the director of the Tikvah Program at Camp Ramah in New England for 15 years. Howard has led five Tikvah Ramah Israel trips. And served as group leader for three Shorashim Birthright Asperger trips to Israel. Howard is currently traveling across the United States, visiting innovative jobs sites and training programs for people with disabilities (https://howardblas.com/disabilities/job-sites/)

Howard, a social worker and special education teacher by training, teaches Jewish Studies and bar/bat mitzvah to students with a range of disabilities and “special circumstances. Howard has 35 years of experience working with families and students in envisioning and preparing for a wide-range of b’nai mitzvahs, from traditional to creative.

Howard writes regularly for many Jewish publications including the Jerusalem Post, Chabad.org, JNS (Jewish News Syndicate), ejewishphilanthropy, The New Normal (of the New York Jewish Week/Times of Israel), and Sight Line (Covenant Foundation). Howard received the S’fatai Tiftakh Award from Boston Hebrew College’s Center for Jewish Special Education in 2012 and the 2013 Covenant Award for Excellence in Jewish Education.