Kai Kleinbard is the founding director of bodyLITERATE, an organization that works with neurodivergent youth to guide their academic and career paths. He received a masters in computer science from the University of Pennsylvania and is working on the startup Study Duck, which aims to use technology to make education more accessible. He considers himself “obsessed with learning” and education is what he is most passionate about. Kai was the first student to have a Bar Mitzvah at Kolot Chayeinu. His father is a close friend of Rabbi Ellen Lippmann and their family has been involved in Kolot since it was founded. Kolot’s early education program began with a few students in the basement of the Kleinbard family’s Brooklyn apartment. His Bar Mitzvah was a very exciting process, as Kai knew what a big deal the first Bar Mitzvah was for a congregation that was just beginning and had not yet created a system for running its early education program. Many of the young people that he works with are of Bar Mitzvah age and Kai finds that talking about that shared Jewish experience is a great way to connect with them. Kai says that he is most proud of Kolot for filling the need for connection in Park Slope through sharing in tradition while still allowing people to be who they are. Three words he would use to describe himself are curious, creative, and friendly.

In this interview, Kai shares about what his life in Brooklyn looks like, including his personal learning in computer science, work for UPenn startup StudyDuck, and career as the founding director of bodyLITERATE. He discusses how bodyLITERATE has grown over the years and touches on the joys of working with Kolotniks. Kai recalls his experiences from the early years of Kolot, including attending shabbat services at different homes and going to religious school in his basement. He reflects on his experience of becoming a bar mitzvah as well as on his family’s relationship with Kolot.

“It’s the community that lights up” Kai reflects on how central the community has been to his experience at Kolot Chayeinu.

“It’s something you can carry with you for a long time” Kai shares takeaways from becoming a bar mitzvah, as well as what it was like to have Hebrew school in his basement.

“They have to be okay with a lot of things” Kai describes the sort of comfort and familiarity he feels when he meets people who have some connection to Kolot.