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New York, NY.­­­  March 20, 2013.­­­  Nehirim, the national organization that builds community and advocates for LGBT Jews, families, and allies, announced today that Rabbi Debra Kolodny will be its next Executive Director.­­­  Rabbi Kolodny brings thirty years of local and national leadership in LGBT and Jewish organizations, including serving as National Coordinator for BiNet USA, facilitator of the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force’­­s National Religious Leadership Roundtable, and nine years as the Executive Director of ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal.

Dr. Jay Michaelson leaves the organization he founded to become Vice President of Social Justice Programs at the Arcus Foundation, one of the world’­­s leading funders of LGBT advocacy.­­­  Said Michaelson, “I cannot think of anyone better suited to carry forward the work of Nehirim than Deb.­­­  Her combination of deep spirituality and equally deep organizational talents will take this community and its mission, to the next level.”

Dr. Jan Hackman of Nehirim’­­s Board of Directors agreed. “This is a truly joyous day for the Nehirim community,” Hackman said.­­­  “We wish Jay well on the next step of his journey, and welcome Deb on hers.”

Kolodny is the editor of the anthology Blessed Bi Spirit: Bisexual People of Faith, and author of dozens of articles on religion and sexuality. A former attorney, she is the rabbi of P’­­nai Or of Portland and frequent guest speaker, ritualist, and teacher.­­­  She has served on Nehirim’­­s Board of Advisors for several years, and co-directed two Nehirim retreats. ­­­ After a transitional period as Associate Director, Kolodny will become Executive Director of the organization in October.

The last year has seen significant growth at Nehirim, including over one hundred programs across the country and the formation of a team of lay leaders and stakeholders. ­­­ Nehirim’­­s work includes community programming, chiefly weekend retreats and on-campus student programs, and LGBT advocacy work devoted to building a more just and inclusive world based on the teachings in the Jewish tradition.

Said Rabbi Kolodny, “”I’m delighted to be able to serve the Nehirim community, integrating my passions for Judaism and community building as I lift up the power and beauty­­­ of LGBT souls.”

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Nehirim is a national community of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Jews, partners, and allies, committed to a more just and inclusive world.­­­  Founded in 2004 and based in New York, its supporters include private foundations, Jewish federations, and a network of private donors.­­­ 

Ma’agal has been running for four years, and our meetings have been a full and heartfelt success.

Cost: Free
Location: The JCC in Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Avenue at 76th Street
All programs meet in the Older Adults Center on L1.
Dates: Ma’agal meets the first Tuesday of each month; when a holiday conflicts, the Circle meets the following Tuesday. 2013 dates are as follows:

Questions: Email Nehirim

Chani Getter is a leader in the fields of personal growth and spiritual development. She has reached individuals and professionals in the U.S. and Canada through a series of workshops and panel discussions. Chani has led informational and support groups in parenting, single-motherhood, domestic violence, cross-cultural integration, issues of sexuality and identity. She creates original rituals for variety of occasions, and in addition to her administrative work for Nehirim, is a core member of the Nehirim faculty, coordinating “mishpacha” groups and facilitating the Ma’­­agal Women’s Circle.

Ma’agal has been running for four years, and our meetings have been a full and heartfelt success.

Cost: Free
Location: The JCC in Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Avenue at 76th Street
All programs meet in the Older Adults Center on L1.
Dates: Ma’agal meets the first Tuesday of each month; when a holiday conflicts, the Circle meets the following Tuesday. 2013 dates are as follows:

Questions: Email Nehirim

Chani Getter is a leader in the fields of personal growth and spiritual development. She has reached individuals and professionals in the U.S. and Canada through a series of workshops and panel discussions. Chani has led informational and support groups in parenting, single-motherhood, domestic violence, cross-cultural integration, issues of sexuality and identity. She creates original rituals for variety of occasions, and in addition to her administrative work for Nehirim, is a core member of the Nehirim faculty, coordinating “mishpacha” groups and facilitating the Ma’­­agal Women’s Circle.

Ma’agal has been running for four years, and our meetings have been a full and heartfelt success.

Cost: Free
Location: The JCC in Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Avenue at 76th Street
All programs meet in the Older Adults Center on L1.
Dates: Ma’agal meets the first Tuesday of each month; when a holiday conflicts, the Circle meets the following Tuesday. 2013 dates are as follows:

Questions: Email Nehirim

Chani Getter is a leader in the fields of personal growth and spiritual development. She has reached individuals and professionals in the U.S. and Canada through a series of workshops and panel discussions. Chani has led informational and support groups in parenting, single-motherhood, domestic violence, cross-cultural integration, issues of sexuality and identity. She creates original rituals for variety of occasions, and in addition to her administrative work for Nehirim, is a core member of the Nehirim faculty, coordinating “mishpacha” groups and facilitating the Ma’­­agal Women’s Circle.

Ma’agal has been running for four years, and our meetings have been a full and heartfelt success.

Cost: Free
Location: The JCC in Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Avenue at 76th Street
All programs meet in the Older Adults Center on L1.
Dates: Ma’agal meets the first Tuesday of each month; when a holiday conflicts, the Circle meets the following Tuesday. 2013 dates are as follows:

Questions: Email Nehirim

Chani Getter is a leader in the fields of personal growth and spiritual development. She has reached individuals and professionals in the U.S. and Canada through a series of workshops and panel discussions. Chani has led informational and support groups in parenting, single-motherhood, domestic violence, cross-cultural integration, issues of sexuality and identity. She creates original rituals for variety of occasions, and in addition to her administrative work for Nehirim, is a core member of the Nehirim faculty, coordinating “mishpacha” groups and facilitating the Ma’­­agal Women’s Circle.

Ma’agal has been running for four years, and our meetings have been a full and heartfelt success.

Cost: Free
Location: The JCC in Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Avenue at 76th Street
All programs meet in the Older Adults Center on L1.
Dates: Ma’agal meets the first Tuesday of each month; when a holiday conflicts, the Circle meets the following Tuesday. 2013 dates are as follows:

Questions: Email Nehirim

Chani Getter is a leader in the fields of personal growth and spiritual development. She has reached individuals and professionals in the U.S. and Canada through a series of workshops and panel discussions. Chani has led informational and support groups in parenting, single-motherhood, domestic violence, cross-cultural integration, issues of sexuality and identity. She creates original rituals for variety of occasions, and in addition to her administrative work for Nehirim, is a core member of the Nehirim faculty, coordinating “mishpacha” groups and facilitating the Ma’­­agal Women’s Circle.

Ma’agal has been running for four years, and our meetings have been a full and heartfelt success.

Cost: Free
Location: The JCC in Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Avenue at 76th Street
All programs meet in the Older Adults Center on L1.
Dates: Ma’agal meets the first Tuesday of each month; when a holiday conflicts, the Circle meets the following Tuesday. 2013 dates are as follows:

Questions: Email Nehirim

Chani Getter is a leader in the fields of personal growth and spiritual development. She has reached individuals and professionals in the U.S. and Canada through a series of workshops and panel discussions. Chani has led informational and support groups in parenting, single-motherhood, domestic violence, cross-cultural integration, issues of sexuality and identity. She creates original rituals for variety of occasions, and in addition to her administrative work for Nehirim, is a core member of the Nehirim faculty, coordinating “mishpacha” groups and facilitating the Ma’­­agal Women’s Circle.