Judith Kane is a retired high school teacher who taught special education for seventeen years. She is a founding member of Kolot Chayeinu and took part in the dining room table conversation that started it all. Ellen Lippmann was a student rabbi at the congregation Judith attended in Brooklyn. Judith became involved in creating Kolot after Ellen expressed interest in forming her own congregation. Judith took on many different roles and responsibilities in Kolot’s early years including newsletter writer and High Holy Days coordinator. When reflecting on Kolot’s creation and how it has grown, Judith often says “look what we’ve started.” She is very proud to have helped build a community where she feels such a spiritual connection. In her free time, Judith likes to attend theater and she really enjoys traveling. Three words she would use to describe herself are independent, outspoken, and friendly. 

Judith Kane is a retired special education teacher and long-time Brooklyn resident who has since moved to live in New Jersey and Florida. She is a founding member of Kolot Chayeinu and was actively involved for many years before moving and becoming a “card-carrying member.” Although Judith is not able to make it to services in-person very often, she still considers Kolot to be her “spiritual home,” remains close friends with Rabbi Ellen Lippmann, logs on to Zoom to kvell over Bnei Mitzahs as they give their d’var Torahs, and carries the pride of being a founding member of Kolot with her. In this interview, she spoke fondly of the “beginnings,” in which she was present at the eminent dining room table at Rabbi Ellen Lippmann’s home. She recounted Rabbi Ellen’s vision, initial conversations around the dining room table, Shabbat services hosted at different people’s homes, carefully selecting a name for the congregation, and growing tremendously as a community over the years. If Judith had to choose one element of the community that makes it so special, she would say it’s the “genuineness” of the people and how people of all “walks of life” are represented.

Beginnings: Around Rabbi Ellen’s Table

In the Beginnings: Cantor Lisa B Segal

In the Beginnings: All Hands are Needed

For the Future: “We’re gonna be okay in the world because these young people are gonna be running it”