B’ NEI MITZVAH CLASS OF 2012 FOR 13 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE JEWISH COMMUNITY
RABBI DOUG ALPERT
RABBI HAYLEY SIEGEL
I am the spiritual leader of Congregation Kol Ami-Kansas City’ s non-affiliated, urban, progressive synagogue; a place of radical inclusion. We hold ourselves out to be the Shul for Jews( and those who support Jews on their Jewish journey) who have been made to feel marginalized.
Before receiving Semikhah from AJR I received a Masters in Judaic Studies from the Siegal College of Jewish Studies, a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Urban Affairs from the George Washington University.
I am on the executive committee of the Missouri Conference of the NAACP, after receiving the Civil Rights Award from the Kansas City branch of the NAACP. I am the faith co-chair for Missouri Jobs with Justice, a past president of Missouri Healthcare for All, an Allie with Stand Up KC- the fight for low wage workers, the faith co-chair for Missouri Jobs with Justice, and a past president of Missouri Healthcare for All. I am on the board of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, and chair the advocacy committee for PPGP Votes.
I was a featured speaker at the Kansas City Women’ s March in 2017. I have been the Jewish representative speaker for many years at the annual Gay Pride Interfaith Service in Kansas City. I am a past President of the Rabbinical Association of Greater Kansas City.
I am married to Fay Balk. I have three sons and two granddaughters.
In September of 2006, I began my rabbinical journey at AJR. I was a newlywed, having celebrated my wedding to Aaron just a week prior. My time at AJR commenced with the Sheva Berachot party, which my teachers and classmates planned and hosted in honor of our wedding. What a way to begin seminary!
The fun and merriment of those early weeks sweetened the forthcoming six years of hard work, study, and intensity. Outside of the classroom, I was privileged to serve varied Jewish institutions. I served as the inaugural Rabbinical Intern at 92YTribeca, as a Chaplain intern at the Hospital for Special Surgery, and at Congregation Beth Elohim. After graduating from AJR, I was an instructor in the 92NY’ s Derekh Torah learning program for many years.
Currently, I am the Rabbi in Residence at Temple Israel, New York. I’ ve taught the Introduction to Judaism course at Temple Israel for over five years. In addition, I have the opportunity to teach classes on a wide range of Jewish subjects.. I am passionate about making Judaism accessible to Jews from all backgrounds, guiding interfaith families, and meeting those curious about Judaism where they are.
Today, Aaron and I are a family of four, with our two boys gainfully along for the journey of my Rabbinate. My family is by my side( or at least close to the bimah!) for services, lifecycles, and other Jewish-related events. When I take off my“ kippah,” you’ ll see me and my family passionately playing Scattergories and other board games, cheering on our cherished Mets, and walking in Central Park with our dog, Reggie.
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