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Esther Safran Foer
Executive Director & CEO
I’ve been lucky enough to have had lots of interesting jobs in my lifetime, but nothing as exciting and rewarding as being the Director of Sixth & I. I originally got involved as a volunteer when the building was rescued. At that time, I was running my own public relations firm with corporate clients. Sixth & I quickly became my passion and now has changed my life forever. The work here reminds me of working in a presidential political campaign – with its intensity, commitment, passion and hours. Outside the office I am the wife of the head of a nonprofit think tank, the mother of three writers, and grandmother of four amazing kids. I am humbled by the recognition of my work at Sixth & I as a 2008 Forward 50 honoree.
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Rachel Evenson
Development Associate
I lend my efforts to the grant writing and fundraising that keep Sixth & I flourishing. A Mississippi native and recent Massachusetts transplant, I enjoy living in states that are hard to spell. I studied literature and languages as an English major at Louisiana State University, then spent several years as an AmeriCorps member for multiple youth-centered nonprofits in mountainous western Mass. Outside of work, I explore DC by bike and attempt to master Asian cooking. I enjoy experiencing Seinfeld moments in everyday life, and one of my core beliefs is that any music can be Zumba'd to.
202.266.3232
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Robin Farber
Programming Associate
I graduated from Brandeis University in 2009 and lived in Boston until I moved to DC in August 2012. As a newbie to the area, I am fully convinced that this city has what it takes to be a hub of youth and creativity—and Sixth & I is a big part of that. As a Programming Associate, I coordinate private and nonprofit events. I love that I can combine my love of Judaism with my passion for people in a professional environment. When I’m not at Sixth & I, I can be found tearing up the dance floor or embarking on new culinary adventures throughout the city (with the primary mission of finding the best mac and cheese that DC has to offer). Please contact me to schedule your next milestone or gathering at Sixth & I.
202.266.3235
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Eddie Henein
Chief of Security
Hello friends. I protect Sixth & I, the staff (who are like my family), and everyone who enters this most special place. I’m originally from Egypt and, if asked, I can and will walk like an Egyptian. I have been in charge of security at government buildings, embassies, and countless places in between, but nothing has meant more to me professionally than working for a place like Sixth & I. I infuse the office with Middle Eastern culture, whether it’s teaching Arabic to Jackie or bringing platters of baklava for the staff to enjoy. Look for me at concerts, Shabbat services, and all of our other events; I’m always here…even when you can’t see me. My 15 minutes of fame include being named the News4 Morning Person of the Day.
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Irella Keehnle
Director of Accounting and Administration
As my title suggests, I balance the books and crunch the numbers here at Sixth & I, while making sure this incredible building and all its programs stay strong for years to come. As my title may not suggest, I’m an avid collector of dogs, tattoos, and zombie comics (personal favorite: The Walking Dead). I’m the daughter of Cuban immigrants and the mom of two beautiful daughters; as an honorary member of the tribe, I’m happy to infuse the office with “Jewban” flavor. To get my recipe for homemade pastelitos (Cuban pastries), feel free to e-mail me or give me a call—just ask for Iry (pronounced “Edie”). ¡Ahora, se habla español aquí!
ikeehnle@sixthandi.org
202.266.3238
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Jackie Leventhal
Director of Cultural Programming and Communications
As one of the longest serving staff members at Sixth & I (circa
August 2007), I’ve seen the organization grow tremendously and it’s been an incredible experience. Coordinating events for authors means I’m a safe bet for a good book recommendation. My other focus is on strategically communicating the wide range of new things happening in our historic space. I have an affinity for having my photo taken with authors, politicians, celebrities, and other notable guests (case in point: look left). In my spare time, I can most often be found on a magenta-colored yoga mat. Indeed color does matter. I love traveling and would like to visit 30 countries by the time I'm 30, but I’m running out of time. I'm forever in search of the perfect muffin, as I have a severe sweet tooth; it's in my genes – my great-grandfather was a baker.
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Rachel Levey
Director of Development
Here at Sixth & I, I work to strengthen and build relationships that will help expand and enhance programming and engage our community. My passion for engaging the next generation of Jewish leaders is the perfect match for the inspiring work that Sixth & I does every day. I went to college at the University of Maryland where I majored in Jewish Studies and spent a semester at Tel Aviv University. Go Terps! I'm a huge DC sports fan but, more importantly, the way to my heart is through food and my dog. Skim chai lattes (extra hot) and grilled cheese sandwiches are favorites, and if you ask about my puppy Baxter, I will gladly show you at least 100 pictures. Trust me, it’s worth it! Please feel free to contact me with questions about my favorite things, Team 6, or giving opportunities.
rlevey@sixthandi.org
202.266.4872
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Hannah Orenstein
Communications Associate
I like to think of myself as the voice of Sixth & I, partly because my job involves handling our Twitter and Facebook feeds, and partly because I'm very self-involved. I've lived in DC since graduating from The George Washington University with a degree in Sport and Event Management, but am originally from Allentown, PA. I am still a diehard Philly sports fan, especially the Iggles and Phillies. My dream guest at Sixth & I would have to be Rob Lowe, mostly because one of my favorite (among many) tv shows is The West Wing.
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Rabbi Scott Perlo
Associate Director of Jewish Programming
I left the waves of my beloved Pacific Ocean for Sixth & I. Since California is my home, you’ll find me returning to surf or dive any chance I get. My travels and experiences as a rabbi have been eclectic, off the wall, and have blessed me with satisfaction. I had the honor to be the first rabbi of the Professional Leaders Project and Moishe House, a founder of the Ma'or Beit Midrash and CreateHavdallah, rabbi of Adat Shalom in West L.A., and rabbinic intern at IKAR and Beit Warszawa in Warsaw, Poland. I received my undergraduate degree from University of Pennsylvania and my ordination from the Ziegler School at the American Jewish University in 2008. I write fairly often for the Huffington Post and occasionally say something profound here. My greatest love is to teach and learn with other fellow travelers; I’m constantly looking for spiritual partners, wherever they are to be found. You’ll find my office door open, so when the mood for that intense conversation strikes, reach out!
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Beth Semel
Jewish Programming Associate
I grew up and went to college in Upstate New York, where I majored in International Relations and minored in putting chicken wing sauce on everything. During college I spent six months living on top of a mountain in Haifa, Israel where I learned just enough Hebrew to order the perfect falafel (no tomatoes, extra tahini.) My interests include cooking, thrift store shopping, and anything Harry Potter. I would be happy to answer any questions you have about Jewish life at Sixth & I, so feel free to shoot me an e-mail or stop in to say hello!
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Rabbi Shira Stutman
Director of Jewish Programming
As Sixth & I’s Director of Jewish Programming, I’m here as a resource for you. My focus is to make Jewish meaning and build Jewish community. I strive to infuse Sixth & I's diverse programs with Jewish context and content. I support a number of boutique communities, including workshops for those interested in joining the Jewish community. I graduated from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in 2007, where I was a Wexner Graduate Fellow. I also graduated from Columbia University and the Charles E Smith Jewish Day School. I was the founding rabbi of Kesher Shalom Congregation in Abington, PA. And my favorite t-shirt reads: "This is what a real rabbi looks like."
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Aaron Weintraub
Director of Live Entertainment
My job is all about entertaining people. Whether it’s creating exciting, unique social programs for people in their twenties and thirties, or coordinating a sold out concert or comedy show, I get satisfaction from seeing the happy faces that leave Sixth & I after every event. One of the best things about my job is the unpredictability of it – whether I’m MC’ing Trivia Night or talking to rock stars, I love how different each day is. Sixth & I is all about family for me, and I highly value the great people with whom I work and those I’ve met on the job. I look forward to meeting you or welcoming you back to Sixth & I at future events.
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Matthew Weiss
Live Entertainment Manager
I love live events and feel privileged to use this passion to add to Sixth & I’s stellar lineup. I’m always up for checking out a new band because you never know what you’re going to get. I graduated with a degree in Communication from the University of Maryland and then attended Omega Studio’s School for Applied Recording Arts and Sciences to learn as much as possible about sound and music. A native Marylander, I returned after a 3-year stint in Los Angeles, working in television production. I love working here because of the caliber of programming and the intense spirit of community you feel just from walking through the door.
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Lisa Yochelson
Cultural Programming Associate
I discovered what community means to me when I stepped into a Chinatown-themed sukkah at Sixth & I a few years ago. Since then, my involvement here has grown from being a volunteer at events, working part-time as an Event Assistant, to now serving as the Cultural Programming Associate. I help plan events with authors and speakers, as well as Not Your Bubbe’s Sisterhood. I’m also the go-to person for our Ambassador Program, so please be in touch if you’d like to volunteer. I graduated from the University of Redlands and still try to maintain the calm, California vibe, which can be tricky in DC. Feel free to ask me about volunteering or about the area in general as I’m a native Washingtonian!
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Total hits since March 2009: 3,430,150
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Sixth & I Historic Synagogue • 600 I Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 • 202.408.3100 |
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