JLC

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

Rabbi Emily JK Holtzman ijoined the Adat Ari El as the Director of Youth Engagement in July 2022. A native of Agoura Hills, Rabbi Holtzman’s profound connection to Judaism was nurtured over ten summers at Wilshire Boulevard Temple Camps, where she first discovered a sense of Jewish home, evolving from camper to counselor-in-training (CIT) and staff member.

Rabbi Holtzman earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History with a minor in Judaic Studies from the University of Oregon. After graduation, she deepened her commitment to Jewish education and community engagement, working in various Jewish institutions around Los Angeles, including IKAR, Temple Beth Am, Hillel 818, Congregation B'nai Chaim in Murrieta, and Beit Teshuvah. She also worked at the AJU Community Mikveh and participated in Taglit-Birthright.

Rabbi Holtzman went on to pursue further academic and professional growth in Jewish education. She earned a Master of Arts in Jewish Studies and Jewish Education with an emphasis in experiential education from Hebrew College in Boston. Later, she received ordination as a rabbi from the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies in 2022.

Her diverse experiences in the Jewish community have helped shape her vision for engaging learners and families with Jewish tradition in meaningful, creative ways.

Rabbi Holtzman resonates deeply with the mission of the Youth Department at Adat Ari El: to “create a sense of community and encourage our learners to push themselves and their thinking.” In her role, she strives to motivate young learners to be their best selves, to take pride in their Jewish heritage, and to make a positive impact in the world. She is passionate about fostering community, empowering learners, and guiding them through thoughtful experiential learning that deepens their connection to Jewish values and tradition.

As Rabbi Hanina teaches 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 lives by this teaching, embracing the process of learning, growth, and exploration alongside her students, inspired by Torah and tradition every step of the way.
Click Here to connect with Rabbi Holtzman or at (818) 766-9426 ext. 241

Carolyn Cunningham
Director of The Clubhouse

Carolyn Cunningham is a dedicated educator, program director, and entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in Jewish education and youth programming. She has founded and managed innovative educational initiatives, including launching a successful school and camp during the pandemic, serving over 50 children. As the Director of The Club House, she develops enriching, hands-on curricula that blend Jewish values, life skills, and community engagement, all within a safe and nurturing space that feels like home. Carolyn is also the creator of the “Cooking with Books” program, integrating literature and culinary arts to inspire learning.

Family is at the heart of everything Carolyn does. She has been married to her husband, Shaun, for seven years, and together they cherish the importance of creating warm, welcoming environments—both in their own home and in the communities she serves. Her passion for fostering connection extends beyond education; she is the founder and owner of Grandma’s Freezer, a home bakery that brings cherished family recipes to life. With expertise in operational management, curriculum development, and event coordination, Carolyn continues to create meaningful experiences that inspire learning, independence, and a deep love for Jewish culture and tradition.

For more info or to refer a rising TK–5th grader, contact Carolyn Cunningham  

Check out the article about it HERE