JLC

Rabbi Emily JK Holtzman, MAJEd, MAJS, MARS
Director of Youth Engagement

Rabbi Holtzman grew up in Agoura Hills, attending the Wilshire Boulevard Temple Camps for 10 summers as a camper, CIT, and staff member. Camp was where she discovered her connection to Judaism, where it felt like she had found a home.

Rabbi Holtzman received her Bachelor's of Arts Degree in Art History with a minor in Judaic Studies from the University of Oregon. After graduation, she worked at a number of Jewish institutions throughout Los Angeles.

During her time in rabbinical school, Rabbi Holtzman had the pleasure of working for IKAR, Temple Beth Am, the AJU Community Mikvah, Hillel 818, Taglit-Birthright, Congregation B'nai Chaim in Murrieta, and Beit Teshuvah. 

The mission of the Adat Ari El Jewish Learning Community is to “create a sense of community and encourage our learners to push themselves and their thinking”. Rabbi Holtzman wants to motivate learners to be their best selves, to be proud of their Judaism and traditions, and to go out into the world to make it a better place. Her hope is to expand an already thriving program, through thoughtful experiential learning, community building, and engagement. 

As Rabbi Hanina tells us in the Talmud, “I have learned much from my teachers and even more from my friends, but from my students I have learned most of all.” Rabbi Holtzman is thrilled to learn, explore, and grow through the guidance of Torah and tradition.  

Click Here to connect with Rabbi Holtzman or at (818) 766-9426 ext. 241

Sara Marcus
Assistant Director of Youth Engagement

Sara Marcus is from Encino, CA and has been a proud member of Adat Ari El since 2005. She has been involved at Adat in many capacities including attending the Day School, serving as a B’nai Mitzvah tutor, reading Torah and Haftarah regularly on Shabbat and High Holidays, and teaching in the JLC. Sara has really been looking forward to offering herself to Adat in this capacity.

She earned her Bachelor’s of Arts Degree and Phi Beta Kappa membership in History with minors in English and History of Art and Architecture from UC Santa Barbara. At UCSB, Sara was the Alumnae Relations Chair and Head of New Member Education for Gamma Phi Beta Sorority as well as the Vice President of UCSB’s branch of JAM (Jewish Awareness Movement).

Her role as the Assistant Director of Youth Engagement will be to act as the advisor for the Adat Ari El Youth Group, teaching in Kesher and the TLC, as well as assist in the general operation of the Jewish Learning Community. 

Click Here to connect with Sara Marcus or at
(818) 766-9426 ext. 207