LISA FRIEDMAN'S BIO
Lisa Friedman grew up at Congregation Or Ami. It was in a 4th-6th grade retreat planning meeting in the Or Ami youth lounge where Lisa decided she wanted to become a rabbi. Lisa realized she could combine her passions for Judaism, music, education, and helping others into the perfect profession. In her teen years, Lisa was active in LoMPTY and NFTY SOCAL, and spent her summers at URJ Camp Newman and the URJ Kutz Camp. She left the nest after graduating high school, attending the University of Arizona for her undergraduate education. While at the UofA, Lisa became involved in Hillel, Olami, and Girl Scouts. She graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2021 with a B.S. in Literacy, Learning, and Leadership.
Lisa subsequently moved to the American South, working for the Institute of Southern Jewish Life, then – a Valley Girl at heart – Lisa returned to the Valley serving as Youth and Family Program Coordinator at a local synagogue. Lisa began her rabbinical studies at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in July of 2023.
Lisa subsequently moved to the American South, working for the Institute of Southern Jewish Life, then – a Valley Girl at heart – Lisa returned to the Valley serving as Youth and Family Program Coordinator at a local synagogue. Lisa began her rabbinical studies at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in July of 2023.
Lisa writes, “I am grateful to have the opportunity to intern at Congregation Or Ami, which has been my home for most of my life. I look forward to using my skillset to create meaningful programming, teach our amazing students, and give back to a community so near and dear to my heart.”
Nothing fulfills Lisa more than creating community and bringing people together. In her free time, Lisa writes Jewish music, cooks delicious food, travels, and volunteers.