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.
Navigating Life’s End With Kol Ami
Washington Jewish Weekly (January 19, 2026)
Rabbi Gilah Langner and end-of-life doula and congregant Alison Butler lead a thoughtful three-part series on death, dying, and Jewish end-of-life planning, exploring both practical and spiritual dimensions. Topics include advance directives, ethical wills, funeral choices, end-of-life care, and Jewish perspectives on the afterlife. Grounded in Reconstructionist values and Jewish tradition, the series offers space for reflection and conversation, providing guidance and comfort for those planning ahead, caring for others, or navigating loss.
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.
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ol 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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