Clergy
Rabbi Dara Frimmer
Senior Rabbi
Rabbi Dara Frimmer
Dara Frimmer serves as the Senior Rabbi of Temple Isaiah since July 2018.
Her educational background is in Feminist Studies and Religious Studies. She received a BA from Stanford University in 1998 and a Masters in Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School in 2001.
During her years in NYC, Dara completed her second unit of hospital chaplaincy, taught “Introduction to Judaism” at the 92nd Street Y, and led trips to Latin America with American Jewish World Service. As a rabbinic intern, she served two years at Congregation Kol Ami in White Plains, NY. In 2005 she was selected as the Marshall T. Meyer Rabbinic Fellow at Congregation B’nai Jeshurun where she taught, led services, and helped to grow Tze’irim, the 20's-30's group.
Since joining the Isaiah community in 2007 as Assistant Rabbi, Dara is engaged in every aspect of congregational and life cycle events, with a focus on social justice issues, Israel, and religious education. She is active with many local organizations committed to social justice including: American Jewish World Service, Bend the Arc, One LA-IAF and RAC-CA.
In her free time, Dara can be found shopping at the local farmer’s market or pretending to follow Wisconsin sports teams.
Her educational background is in Feminist Studies and Religious Studies. She received a BA from Stanford University in 1998 and a Masters in Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School in 2001.
During her years in NYC, Dara completed her second unit of hospital chaplaincy, taught “Introduction to Judaism” at the 92nd Street Y, and led trips to Latin America with American Jewish World Service. As a rabbinic intern, she served two years at Congregation Kol Ami in White Plains, NY. In 2005 she was selected as the Marshall T. Meyer Rabbinic Fellow at Congregation B’nai Jeshurun where she taught, led services, and helped to grow Tze’irim, the 20's-30's group.
Since joining the Isaiah community in 2007 as Assistant Rabbi, Dara is engaged in every aspect of congregational and life cycle events, with a focus on social justice issues, Israel, and religious education. She is active with many local organizations committed to social justice including: American Jewish World Service, Bend the Arc, One LA-IAF and RAC-CA.
In her free time, Dara can be found shopping at the local farmer’s market or pretending to follow Wisconsin sports teams.
Rabbi Dara Frimmer
Rabbi Zoë Klein Miles
Rabbi
Rabbi Zoë Klein Miles
Rabbi Zoë Klein Miles has served this congregation since 2000. She graduated from Brandeis University with a B.A. in Psychology and received ordination from Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion in 1998.
She is the author of multiple novels including, Drawing in the Dust and The Scroll of Anatiya, which were published by Simon and Schuster. Of Drawing in the Dust, Publishers Weekly wrote, “Insight into the world of biblical excavation in Israel raises Rabbi Klein's debut novel from a Jewish Da Vinci Code to an emotionally rich story of personal and historical discovery...Rabbi Klein's most vivid passages depict the meditative tedium of digging, the exultation of discovery and the intricate processes of authentication and preservation while love stories past and present—and a balanced, compassionate view of both Israeli and Arab traditions—add to the book's pleasures.” Drawing in the Dust has been published in five countries.
In addition to novels, Rabbi Klein has written articles for numerous publications including Harper’s Bazaar, Tikkun, and Torat Hayim. She has written chapters in a number of collections including The Women’s Torah Commentary, Teen Texts, and Holy Ground: A Gathering of Voices on Caring for Creation. Her poems and prayers are used in houses of prayer around the country.
Rabbi Klein gives numerous presentations and is a keynote speaker or panel participant at various assemblies all over the country. She is a resource for reporters in regional newspapers and has appeared as a commentator on the History Channel in “Digging for the Truth.”
She is the author of multiple novels including, Drawing in the Dust and The Scroll of Anatiya, which were published by Simon and Schuster. Of Drawing in the Dust, Publishers Weekly wrote, “Insight into the world of biblical excavation in Israel raises Rabbi Klein's debut novel from a Jewish Da Vinci Code to an emotionally rich story of personal and historical discovery...Rabbi Klein's most vivid passages depict the meditative tedium of digging, the exultation of discovery and the intricate processes of authentication and preservation while love stories past and present—and a balanced, compassionate view of both Israeli and Arab traditions—add to the book's pleasures.” Drawing in the Dust has been published in five countries.
In addition to novels, Rabbi Klein has written articles for numerous publications including Harper’s Bazaar, Tikkun, and Torat Hayim. She has written chapters in a number of collections including The Women’s Torah Commentary, Teen Texts, and Holy Ground: A Gathering of Voices on Caring for Creation. Her poems and prayers are used in houses of prayer around the country.
Rabbi Klein gives numerous presentations and is a keynote speaker or panel participant at various assemblies all over the country. She is a resource for reporters in regional newspapers and has appeared as a commentator on the History Channel in “Digging for the Truth.”
RABBI KLEIN'S ARTICLES
Contact info:
Contact info:
Rabbi Zoë Klein
Rabbi Jaclyn Cohen
Associate Rabbi
Rabbi Jaclyn Cohen
Rabbi Jaclyn Cohen is proud to serve Temple Isaiah as Associate Rabbi. Born and raised in West LA, Rabbi Cohen earned her BA in Religious Studies & Music from UC Davis. She spent two years working as a cantorial soloist, community builder and educator in several Bay Area synagogues and Jewish organizations before entering Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion’s rabbinic program in Los Angeles. During rabbinical school Rabbi Cohen was fortunate to intern at several local congregations including Temple Israel of Hollywood and Kehillat Israel of the Palisades; additionally, she earned her MA in Jewish Education from the Rhea Hirsch School at HUC-JIR. Following her 2014 ordination Rabbi Cohen joined the clergy team of Temple De Hirsch Sinai in Seattle and Bellevue, Washington.
Since 2018, Rabbi Cohen has served on Temple Isaiah’s clergy team, first with a primary focus on music and ritual and now including preschool, K12 and our growing young adult cohort. As a musician, artist, and writer, Rabbi Cohen’s background is eclectic, creative, and representative of what it means to create a unique kind of 21st-century rabbinate. She has led rock bands, published articles & curricula, launched programs grounded in innovation and inclusion, participated in fellowships focused on interfaith engagement, and proudly collaborates on initiatives that keep synagogue life relevant and meaningful for this generation and those to come.
Outside the synagogue she is a regular contributor to Kveller as well as the Jewish Daily Forward, Hey Alma and The Chalkboard Mag. A fierce advocate for birth justice, reproductive freedom, Epilepsy awareness and maternal & mental health, Rabbi Cohen and her husband Joshua are proud to support organizations fighting for equality and access for all. Rabbi Cohen is a certified yoga teacher and aspiring electric guitar player. She and her family live in Culver City.
Contact Information:
Rabbi Jaclyn Cohen
rabbijaclyn@templeisaiah.com
310-277-2772 x 60
IG: @rabbijfroco
Since 2018, Rabbi Cohen has served on Temple Isaiah’s clergy team, first with a primary focus on music and ritual and now including preschool, K12 and our growing young adult cohort. As a musician, artist, and writer, Rabbi Cohen’s background is eclectic, creative, and representative of what it means to create a unique kind of 21st-century rabbinate. She has led rock bands, published articles & curricula, launched programs grounded in innovation and inclusion, participated in fellowships focused on interfaith engagement, and proudly collaborates on initiatives that keep synagogue life relevant and meaningful for this generation and those to come.
Outside the synagogue she is a regular contributor to Kveller as well as the Jewish Daily Forward, Hey Alma and The Chalkboard Mag. A fierce advocate for birth justice, reproductive freedom, Epilepsy awareness and maternal & mental health, Rabbi Cohen and her husband Joshua are proud to support organizations fighting for equality and access for all. Rabbi Cohen is a certified yoga teacher and aspiring electric guitar player. She and her family live in Culver City.
MY SERMONS
Contact Information:
Rabbi Jaclyn Cohen
rabbijaclyn@templeisaiah.com
310-277-2772 x 60
IG: @rabbijfroco
Cantor Randall Schloss
Cantor
Cantor Randall Schloss
Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Cantor Randall Schloss is proud to join Temple Isaiah. Previously, Cantor Schloss served Temple Israel of New Rochelle, NY and Temple Ohabei Shalom in Brookline, MA. Throughout his cantorate, Cantor Schloss has sought to create an environment of engaging, participatory worship through a rich blend of musical traditions, including his own compositions. He is equally at ease chanting our most sacred and traditional High Holy Day melodies, conducting choirs at a soulful Gospel Shabbat, inspiring children in fun family worship, and leading diverse volunteer and professional musical ensembles in joyous and uplifting worship.
After a varied career in music as a classical singer both on the opera stage and in concert, as a teacher of voice and music theory, and as a choral conductor and music director, Cantor Schloss began his journey into the world of Jewish music in 2000 as a singer and composer. His compositions combine traditional liturgy and modern poetry with musical elements of eastern European nusach and chazzanut, Israeli and Sephardic folk music, classical and twentieth century Reform repertoire and contemporary pop and jazz. He writes, “I hope that through a unique blend of styles, my music will engage the congregation as more than singers or listeners, but completely as a praying community.” In 2015 he was chosen for Forward’s Soundtrack of Our Spirit as one of the “best new voices in Jewish Music.” His settings of Elohai N’tsor and Y’varech’cha (B’nei Mitzvah Blessing) have been published by Transcontinental Music and he has been commissioned for three Choral pieces by the Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts.
Cantor Schloss received his Ordination and a Masters Degree in Sacred Music from the Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music from Cornell University and a Master of Music Degree in Vocal Performance from the New England Conservatory of Music. He has served on the Executive Board of the American Conference of Cantors and currently serves on the ACC Endowment Board of Trustees. In his spare time, he has been known to run the Boston and New York Marathons, to enjoy a round of golf and to hone his amateur barista skills. Most of all, Cantor Schloss enjoys sharing his love of Judaism and music with his wife, soprano Leah Schloss, and their two daughters, Maya and Sonya (also sopranos!).
After a varied career in music as a classical singer both on the opera stage and in concert, as a teacher of voice and music theory, and as a choral conductor and music director, Cantor Schloss began his journey into the world of Jewish music in 2000 as a singer and composer. His compositions combine traditional liturgy and modern poetry with musical elements of eastern European nusach and chazzanut, Israeli and Sephardic folk music, classical and twentieth century Reform repertoire and contemporary pop and jazz. He writes, “I hope that through a unique blend of styles, my music will engage the congregation as more than singers or listeners, but completely as a praying community.” In 2015 he was chosen for Forward’s Soundtrack of Our Spirit as one of the “best new voices in Jewish Music.” His settings of Elohai N’tsor and Y’varech’cha (B’nei Mitzvah Blessing) have been published by Transcontinental Music and he has been commissioned for three Choral pieces by the Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts.
Cantor Schloss received his Ordination and a Masters Degree in Sacred Music from the Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music from Cornell University and a Master of Music Degree in Vocal Performance from the New England Conservatory of Music. He has served on the Executive Board of the American Conference of Cantors and currently serves on the ACC Endowment Board of Trustees. In his spare time, he has been known to run the Boston and New York Marathons, to enjoy a round of golf and to hone his amateur barista skills. Most of all, Cantor Schloss enjoys sharing his love of Judaism and music with his wife, soprano Leah Schloss, and their two daughters, Maya and Sonya (also sopranos!).
Emeriti
Rabbi Robert T. Gan
Rabbi Emeritus
Rabbi Robert T. Gan
Rabbi Gan was born in Boston, Massachusetts. He received his B.A. from the University of Cincinnati and was ordained in 1967 at Hebrew Union College. He moved to Los Angeles with his wife Sheila and children Michael and Hilary in 1969, after serving as the Jewish Chaplain at Ft. Lewis in Washington and joined Temple Isaiah as its first Associate Rabbi.
In 1979, Rabbi Gan became the Temple's second senior rabbi succeeding Rabbi Albert Lewis. For thirty-eight years, he had the wonderful opportunity of teaching, leading and being part of the lives of several generations of Temple Isaiah families. Involved in the larger community as well, Rabbi Gan held the presidencies of the Southern California Board of Rabbis, the Pacific Association of Reform Rabbis, ARZA/World Union, and the Inter-Religious Council of Southern California.
Over the years, it has always been his great joy to be immersed in a giving and caring congregation committed to social justice, the acquisition of knowledge and deeds of loving kindness. In 1992, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity from HUC.
Contact info:
Rabbi Emeritus, Robert T. Gan
Cantor Evan Kent
Cantor Emeritus
Cantor Evan Kent
Cantor Kent, a 1988 graduate of the Hebrew Union College School of Sacred Music, has served Temple Isaiah since his graduation. Before attending HUC-JIR, Evan received his Bachelor’s Degree from the Manhattan School of Music and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the City University of New York. He is currently pursuing a Doctoral degree in music education research.
Cantor Kent enjoys sharing the vast palette of Jewish music and culture with our congregation. Through his vision of the Jewish arts, he has attempted to embody Rav Kook's statement, "Let the old become new and let the new become holy."
Evan has concertized extensively throughout the United States, Canada, and Israel. He has appeared as a soloist in opera and oratorio in such works as Handel’s Israel in Egypt, Messiah, Haydn’s Creation and Stravinsky’s Cantata. He has sung as a tenor soloist with the Los Angeles Jewish Symphony on numerous occasions and was proud to appear in the North American premiere of Shostakovich’s “From Yiddish Folk Poetry” with the orchestra. Also, he has appeared as soloist with the Los Angeles Zimriyah Chorale, the Kol Echad Chorale and Orchestra and the Novakowsky Chorale and the Los Angeles Music Center Opera.
His one-person show “Love Affair: A Jewish Musical Journey” has been seen throughout the United States at synagogues and conventions and workshops.
Evan has been involved in inter-cultural affairs through the production of choral festivals, multi-cultural workshops, and clinics. He is currently on the faculty of Hebrew Union College and is the cantor for the school’s synagogue. Also, Evan is on the editorial board of the CCAR Press.
Evan is an avid runner and bicyclist having competed in ten marathons, more than a dozen half-marathons and numerous cycling fundraisers. He has participated in the California AIDS Ride and the Israeli Ride4Reform- a 5-day mountain biking excursion that traverses Israel.
Cantor Kent is married to Rabbi Donald Goor, his life-partner of more than twenty years and made aliyah in 2013.