Rabbi Adrianne Pasternak is a Jewish educator, birth and postpartum doula, and life cycles rabbi with over 20 years of experience in educational leadership.
Experience
Rabbi Adrianne began her career in the early childhood classroom as a teacher and then assistant director before earning her Master’s degree in education. She served as an assistant Religious School director and spent 13 years as a Director of Education, directing both a supplemental religious school and early childhood center. Rabbi Adrianne is widely known for her innovative and creative experiential curricula and outside-the-box programming for students ages 18 months through 12th grade and their families. Rabbi Adrianne also facilitates adult education, art classes, and family retreats. She serves as an Outdoor Classroom consultant and teaches school administrators how to grow their communities, build strong long-term relationships and optimize learning potential.
In 2020 the world changed, and Rabbi Adrianne welcomed this opportunity to expand her knowledge and skills by becoming a certified birth and postpartum doula. She now helps expectant parents prepare for birth and beyond, calling on her three decades of experience as an educator and caregiver to nurture new families.
As a spiritual leader, Rabbi Adrianne officiates life cycle events and creative rituals grounded in Jewish tradition, provides pastoral care, and leads health and wellness workshops. She fosters strong relationships and helps others renew and reinvigorate their connection to Judaism in personal and meaningful ways.
Education and Training
Rabbi Adrianne holds Bachelor’s degrees in Jewish Studies, and Hebrew Literature, and a Master’s degree in Education (MaED) from American Jewish University and received semicha from ALEPH. She is a certified birth and postpartum doula.
Professional Service
Rabbi Adrianne served for two years as co-chair of the Los Angeles Bureau of Jewish Education (BJE) Principal’s Council and was elected to the board of the Jewish Educators Assembly where she served as a trustee for over 5 years. She is a graduate of the Mandel Teacher Educator Institute (MTEI), was a 2013 PresenTenseLA Fellow, and a member of the 2019-2020 cohort of the Jewish Early Childhood Education Leadership Institute (JECELI). She also holds teaching certificates from Moving Traditions, Facing History and Ourselves, and Rhythm and Ruach.
Randall Fried has a great passion for experiential education and impact travel, having spent 15 years working with the International March of the Living as an educator for the Los Angeles delegation. Through his work with various organizations, he has learned how vital it is to move people to action and create community.
Experience
He has previously worked in the for-profit arena with Northwestern Mutual and other entrepreneurial endeavors before working in the nonprofit world. At the same time, Randall became involved in Jewish education and has spent over 20 years working with teens and teaching in the largest synagogues around the city.
Through his previous work with Wilshire Boulevard Temple where he served as the Director of Membership Engagement, and Laniado Development Fund, serving as the Director of West Coast Development, Randall has helped connect scores of people to communities and causes that bring meaningful engagement.
Education and Training
Randall holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Elana Beame served as the Tzedek America intern for two years and now joins us full-time as the Director of Mitzvah Project Central. She also manages our Day Trip program. Elana is a graduate of Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion, where she earned her master’s degree in Jewish Educational Leadership. With over ten years of experience working with Jewish youth, she excels at creating interactive and meaningful projects that allow students to engage deeply in Jewish culture, history, and Tikkun Olam (repairing the world).
Past Experience
Elana served as Youth Engagement Director and Program Assistant at Temple Beth Am in Jupiter, Florida, for four years. Before that, she worked as a Residential Advisor at American Hebrew Academy, a Jewish boarding school. In college, she was a Youth Advisor for Temple Beth El in Fort Myers, Florida, and served as President of Hillel at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) for three years.
Through her more than fifteen-year involvement in the URJ community, Elana was a Unit Head at URJ 6 Points Sports Academy in North Carolina and a camper at URJ Kutz Camp and URJ Camp Coleman. She was also a youth group board member throughout high school.
Education and Training
Elana holds a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Studies and Criminal Justice from FGCU. In 2015, she was honored as the Registered Student Organization President of the Year at FGCU for her leadership with Hillel. Additionally, she is currently a member of the LEEP Cohort with NewCAJE.
Gavrielle Dones has been devoted to “paying it forward” for much of her life. She is a native of Los Angeles, and has been volunteering since she was a young child. She co-founded social action groups in high school & college. As a young adult she founded “TOLA” Tikkun Olam Los Angeles, for young professionals in LA, volunteering throughout the Los Angeles community and abroad. She has volunteered in Mexico, Lithuania, and throughout the US in a variety of unique social action/social justice programs.
Gavrielle worked as Event Director for the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, managing donor events and fundraisers for meetings of 50 to 1200 people. She was often described as a person who remained “calm under pressure” managing all details needed in events. She worked as a Community Connector for PJ Library. Gavrielle developed LA JBabies, creating programs for expectant and new parents. She worked as a Project Manager for the Ziegler Rabbinic School of American Jewish University. She worked in Events and Community Engagement at Disney, strengthening their relationships with non-profit organizations. Gavrielle was the producer of advertising productions for OPI Products Inc., an international beauty products company. While there, she created and managed their Community Social Responsibility (CSR) programs, and served on Coty’s CSR International Council.
Education and Training
Gavrielle holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from American Jewish University in Business. She has a certificate in Event Planning from Cal State Dominguez Hills. She was selected to participate in a leadership training program of Leadership Burbank, a non-profit community engagement program
Personal
Gavrielle is passionate about musical theater, concerts, exploring museums, and hiking. She appreciates the diversity and unique neighborhoods and restaurants of greater Los Angeles. She loves going to movies with friends and family. She has taught jewelry making for the Skirball Cultural Center. Gavrielle loves to travel and is always seeking new adventures on land and sea. She loves exploring the latest and greatest dessert shops throughout LA!
Ziggy Valdez is a passionate Jewish educator currently studying at Hebrew Seminary in preparation for rabbinical school.
Past Experience Ziggy has been an active member of the Jewish community throughout their life, previously serving as a congregational educator at Beth Israel of San Diego. They also served in the Avodah Jewish Service Corp in New York City where they learned about community organizing and building relationships with people in an effort to make change. While a student at University of California Santa Barbara, they were the Jewish learning chair, using their identity as a Mexican Jew to educate their community on diasporic Jewish traditions, as well as helping organize Shabbat dinner for the more than 500 Jewish students at the university’s chabad. As someone who grew up in a military family, they have learned and continue to advocate for using travel as a teaching tool, and the importance of building community wherever one is in the world.
Education Ziggy has a bachelors in Sociology with a minor in Applied Psychology and emphasis in LGBT studies for University of California, Santa Barbara
Pastor Rondell Eskridge (he/him)
EDUCATOR IN RESIDENCE
Rondell Eskridge is a dedicated youth pastor who is deeply committed to cultivating healthy child development through culture, faith, and fun. Based in Inglewood, California, Rondell serves as the Middle School youth pastor of Faithful Central Bible Church, where he focuses on empowering young people to become responsible, reliable, and resilient individuals. With a strong foundation in his heritage, Rondell is able to create inclusive and cross-generational environments that go beyond race and societal barriers. In his role as a youth advocate, Rondell is dedicated to helping America’s youth navigate life’s challenges and keep God at the center of it all.
Past Experience
Rondell was the Chief Executive Officer of Sports, Fun, Fitness, located in Santa Monica, California providing summer, spring, and winter camps, and child care services for over 200 youths annually. Prior to this role, he served as a Physical Activities Specialist at Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District for five years. During this time, he created and implemented quarterly curriculums, managed inventory and equipment, built strong working relationships with colleagues and parents, and launched a school-wide anti-bullying program. He also trained staff for the Santa Monica Police Department and PAL league, earning the Teacher of the Year Award in 2016, and served as Keynote Speaker for the graduating class. As the Director of Youth Ministry at Calvary Chapel Crenshaw in Los Angeles, California, from January 2010 to January 2015, he preached and taught the Bible weekly, organized monthly outings and activities, and started a mentoring program.
Education and Training
Rondell earned an Associate of Arts and Sciences (AAS) degree in Business Administration and Management, General from West Virginia University Institute of Technology.
Eddie Chavez Calderon (he/him)
EDUCATOR IN RESIDENCE
Eddie now serves as the Associate Director of Field Engagement at the National Council for Jewish Women. Formerly the Campaign Director for Arizona Jews for Justice (AJJ), Eddie is a dedicated social justice advocate with a lifelong commitment to fighting for the rights of immigrants. As a DACA recipient, he intimately understands the challenges faced by immigrant communities and believes in equal opportunities for all. Eddie is passionate about advocating for the Latino community, LGBTQ+ acceptance and inclusion, women’s rights, economic justice, workers’ rights, citizenship and civic engagement, voter equality, and more.
Past Experience
Before his role at the National Council for Jewish Women, Eddie was the Campaign Director for Arizona Jews for Justice (AJJ). His advocacy work has led him to develop a profound connection with Judaism, intensifying his commitment to justice and equity. Eddie’s Jewish identity provides him with a unique perspective on the struggles faced by marginalized communities. He has tirelessly worked to build bridges, challenge societal norms, and uphold the dignity and rights of every individual.
Community Involvement
Eddie is actively involved in an interfaith coalition that advocates for the dignity of all people, regardless of their background or creed. With unwavering dedication, he strives to create a more just and compassionate society, fostering diversity and compassion for all.
Rachelle is a dedicated professional with a strong background in logistics and operations management. Her career includes overseeing fulfillment orders for a clothing company, where she developed an exceptional ability to streamline processes, optimize workflows, and meet demanding deadlines. Rachelle’s approach to problem-solving and her meticulous attention to detail have consistently contributed to the success of the teams she has supported.
Past Experience
In addition to her work in logistics, Rachelle attended Cal State Long Beach, where she cultivated key skills in communication, organization, and leadership. She has received several awards for her service as a volunteer leader in her synagogue, demonstrating her commitment to community and excellence in every aspect of her work. Her well-rounded expertise, honed through various professional and volunteer roles, makes her a valuable asset in any organization.
Community Involvement
Rachelle is actively involved in her synagogue community, where her leadership and dedication have been recognized with multiple awards. Her volunteer work highlights her passion for fostering a sense of belonging and service to others. Now, as she refocuses her energy on her professional journey, Rachelle is eager to bring her skills and commitment to new opportunities.
Avram Mandell is a dynamic educator and respected member of the national Jewish community. He brings over 20 years of experience developing and leading educational programs for Jewish children and teens. Avram aspires to create high-impact immersive programs that engage young adults in Jewish learning in a fun and relevant way and inspire them to incorporate Jewish values in their everyday lives.
Past Experience
Avram served as Director of Education at two major Reform congregations, most recently Leo Baeck Temple, a 600-family congregation in Los Angeles, California from 2004-2014. At Leo Baeck, he was responsible for all congregational learning, including a supplemental religious school, adult education, early childhood education, post-B’nai Mitzvah studies, and national service opportunities. Prior to joining Leo Baeck, he spent three years as Education Director at Temple Beth El, a 1,200-family synagogue in San Antonio, Texas.
Avram also brings youth group and camp experience, and once served as Assistant Director of the Union of Reform Judaism Camp Harlam and the regional advisor to the Pennsylvania High School Youth Group, NFTY-PAR.
Education and Training
Avram holds a Master of Arts degree in Jewish Education (MAJE) from Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) in Los Angeles, CA and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Miami University.
Professional Service
Avram served as co-chair of the Los Angeles Bureau of Jewish Education (BJE) and was elected to the board of the National Association of Temple Educators (NATE) from 2007-2009. He was a 2010 Pellie Technology Fellow and a 2013 PresenTenseLA Fellow. Avram is a frequent speaker on experiential education, Hebrew language acquisition, teen engagement, and technology in the classroom. He is the creator of two popular Hebrew learning apps and an award-winning Jewish radio station.
Avram authored “Carry Over the Feelings and Practices of Passover” (Reform Voices of Torah, April, 2011); “Derech HaLimud – The Way to Study” (The Hebrew Project, July, 2010); and “Funny Man”, Still Small Voice: Reflections on Being A Jewish Man (URJ Press, 2007).
Avram was named the 2016 RHSOE ALUMNI-IN-RESIDENCE Educator for the Hebrew Union College in Los Angeles.