Andrew Fromer joined Congregation Or Ami in 2016 as a songleader, enriching our community with his engaging musical style. His passion for performance quickly endeared him to our youth and young adults, leading him to join the teaching faculty of our Kesher religious school. His role has expanded over the years, and he currently serves as our Youth Engagement Coordinator, overseeing all of the education programs for 7-12 while assisting with our K-6 program.

Andrew listens deeply to our youth, inspiring them with his compassionate kindness and accessible insightfulness. Every week, parents know that Andrew provides a safe space for their child to call home in the midst of a turbulent world, teaching each child how to be a mensch (kind, compassionate Jewishly connected individual).

Andrew also shepherds our teens on life-changing trips throughout the year. Whether it’s to Washington DC, San Francisco, Arizona, or Disneyland, he has proven that when Jewish teens travel together with their synagogue and rabbis, they develop a vital sense of independence, an appreciation for Judaism, and a deep trust that their Jewish community will be a safe place no matter where they are in the world. 

Andrew is known throughout Southern California as a unique connector of kids, responsible for creatively developing a genuine safe haven where young people feel comfortable confiding their worries, thoughts, and feelings during their most challenging times. He guided youth from all over our surrounding area through the isolation brought on by the COVID pandemic and the anxiety brought on by the Wolsey fires and the Borderline Bar shooting in Thousand Oaks. Today, he is providing our youth with critical education and life-centering support during this period of intense antisemitism and anti-Israel hatred. Andrew creates an oasis amidst the uncertainty.  

Andrew earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theater at UC Santa Barbara with a minor in Jewish Studies. After graduation and an exciting year of living in Israel, Andrew returned to LA and took a dive into acting and filmmaking. When Andrew is not at Or Ami, you can find him supporting The Braid, helping to produce unique and Jewish theatrical productions that travel throughout Los Angeles and beyond. There he continues to be a valued mentor, guiding young writers and actors in their craft.

Andrew lives locally, where he, his wife Olya, and their son Aiden have made Congregation Or Ami their second home.