Rabbi Bob Kaplan is a nationally recognized leader in interfaith partnership, diversity leadership,
and community building. He is Senior Advisor and founding Executive Director of The Center
for the Shared Society at the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (JCRC), where
he develops leadership fellowships, coalition initiatives, and programs that honor human dignity,
cultivate cultural humility, prevent conflict, and strengthen civic life across New York’s diverse
communities.
Laura Edidin has sought justice for survivors of sexual violence, police misconduct and hate crimes in a career spanning the public, private and nonprofit sectors. She is an active member of the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom, Friends of Standing Together NYC and the American Friends of Combatants for Peace, and a fellow with the Interfaith Center of New York’s Civic Leadership Academy.
Alan Channing retired after 40 years as a hospital CEO, consultant for organizational and governance development, author, and Assistant Professor at The Ohio State University. He is recognized as successfully driving clinical quality while managing in a resource-constrained environment, where he applied the concept of Tikkun Olam to build a patient-oriented culture. Alan currently focuses his efforts on organizing campaign activities for Congressional and down-ballot candidates who reflect his commitment to progressive issues.
Jacob joined New York Jewish Agenda (NYJA) in 2024 and serves as NYJA’s Policy Director. Previously, Jacob was the Project Manager for a series of interfaith trainings aimed at stemming domestic terrorism and hate-based violence at a large Jewish nonprofit, and has volunteered for several local and state candidates in New York City. Jacob holds a B.A. in Political Science, Middle Eastern Studies, and History from Duke University. Jacob grew up on the Upper West Side and enjoys cooking, watching Duke basketball and the Yankees, and spending time with family in his free time.
Naomi joined NYJA in 2025 and serves as the Engagement Manager. She previously worked as an analyst at a research agency, where she specialized in social and political insights. Naomi graduated from Swarthmore College with a degree in Economics & Educational Studies. She founded a small grassroots minyan in 2023 and enjoys testing the limits of how many people can fit in her apartment for Shabbat.
Amy Rutkin is a veteran government and political leader with 25+ years of Capitol Hill and New York experience. She served as Staff Director to the House Judiciary Committee (the first-ever Democratic woman in the role) and Chief of Staff to Congressman Jerrold Nadler, and is a trusted advisor to Democratic Leadership and the White House.
Amy Spitalnick is the CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, the national convener of Jewish coalitions working across communities to build a just and inclusive American democracy. She previously served as Executive Director of Integrity First for America, which became a powerful national voice in the fight against white supremacy and extremism.
Nancy Kaufman is a coach for women in the C-Suite and a strategic advisor to not-for-profits. She most recently served as CEO of the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW). Prior to that, she was the executive director of the JCRC in Boston for 20 years.
Karyn Grossman Gershon is the CEO of Project Kesher, a nonprofit building Jewish life and empowering women leaders in Ukraine, Israel and Belarus. In Israel, Karyn has been at the forefront of supporting programming and advocacy for Ukrainian and Russian women immigrants and refugees and the Russian-speaking LGBTQ community.
Rabbi Kleinbaum is the Director for The Beacon and Senior Rabbi Emerita for Congregation Beit Simchat Torah. Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum has dedicated her life to promoting social justice, LGBTQ+ and human rights, and progressive values within Judaism. Rabbi Kleinbaum served as a Commissioner on the New York City Commission on Human Rights (CCHR). Rabbi Kleinbaum is on the Executive Council for New York State’s Interfaith Council and the Co-Chair for the Rabbinic and Cantorial Cabinet of JStreet.