Our community has been featured in local and national publications for our creative programming, inclusive spirit, and resilience during the pandemic. Explore recent stories that highlight Kol Ami’s music, social justice work, and joyful approach to Jewish life.
Kol Ami’s New Rabbi Doubles as Silversmith
Washington Jewish Weekly (June 21, 2026)
Rabbi Doug Heifetz is featured in Washington Jewish Week as he begins his new role at Kol Ami. The profile explores his unique path as both a rabbi and silversmith, and how creativity, community, and Reconstructionist values shape his approach to Jewish life and leadership.
Rabbi to Retire After Decade Serving Kol Ami
Washington Jewish Weekly (June 3, 2026)
Rabbi Gilah Langner reflects on her ten years of leadership at Kol Ami as she prepares for retirement. The feature highlights the congregation’s growth, resilience through the pandemic and challenging times, its commitment to inclusion and community, and the lasting traditions and programs developed during her tenure.
Navigating Life’s End With Kol Ami
Washington Jewish Weekly (January 19, 2026)
Rabbi Gilah Langner and congregant Alison Butler, an end-of-life doula, lead a three-part series exploring Jewish perspectives on death, dying, and end-of-life planning. The series combines practical guidance with spiritual reflection rooted in Jewish tradition.
Washington Jewish Weekly (May 28, 2025)
Kol Ami marked its 25th anniversary with a joyful weekend of music, reflection, and community. From humble beginnings in a living room to a vibrant congregation of over 100 households, the celebration highlighted Kol Ami’s growth, musical spirit, and enduring commitment to integrity, learning, and inclusive Jewish life.
Explore Kol Ami’s 25-year story — from our founding moments to today — and view our anniversary photo slideshow on the 25th Anniversary page.
Kol Ami Celebrates Volunteer Rabbi’s 40th Anniversary of Ordination
Washington Jewish Week (August 16, 2024)
Kol Ami honored Rabbi Julie Gordon’s 40 years in the rabbinate with a joyful Shabbat service led by Gordon herself. As one of the first female Conservative rabbis, she reflected on her trailblazing journey, lessons learned, and ongoing dedication to nurturing Jewish community and spirit at Kol Ami.
Arlington faith communities pray, fast and organize for peace in the Middle East
ARLnow (Octobter 20, 2023)
Rabbi Gilah Langner and Kol Ami joined Jewish, Muslim, and interfaith leaders in Arlington and D.C. to pray, fast, and advocate for peace amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. The community’s efforts include vigils, special prayers, and dialogue initiatives aimed at fostering understanding and addressing rising anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.
For the Love of Music at Kol Ami
Washington Jewish Week (March 31, 2022)
Kol Ami’s multigenerational music ensemble, the Kol Amites, enriches worship with professional and amateur musicians performing during services, celebrations, and b’nai mitzvah. During the pandemic, they adapted with virtual performances, and now continue to bring music and joy to the congregation in person.
Rosh Hashanah is usually when Jews gather in synagogue. This year, they’re mostly online.
The Washington Post (September 17, 2020)
Kol Ami’s Rabbi Gilah Langner shares her optimism about holiday services during the pandemic. The congregation adapted quickly, offering five religious services each week to keep the community connected, even when in-person gatherings were limited.
Is there a more dread-filled psalm than Psalm 88? Finding meaning in the trauma of this moment
Forward.com (April 29, 2020)
Rabbi Gilah Langner reflects on the profound emotional depth of Psalm 88, connecting its themes of isolation and despair to the lived experience of the COVID-19 pandemic. She invites readers to sit with the psalm’s raw honesty as a way to process grief, fear, and the challenges of social distancing.
Stay connected with our community’s story—discover upcoming events, programs, and initiatives that continue to make Kol Ami a place of music, learning, and inclusion. Visit our website calendar page or sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest stories and highlights directly in your inbox.
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