David and Shoshana Cooper have been active members of Brooklyn’s egalitarian Jewish community since 1986 after living in Israel for several years. David is a writer and Hebrew to English literary translator, and Shoshana is a retired transit planner who now pursues her passion as a visual artist. They were attracted to FJC for its spirited traditional egalitarian davening and leyning, the warm welcome they have received, and its proximity to their home in Windsor Terrace. Their enthusiasms include jazz, Hebrew text study, literary fiction, kosher pescatarian cuisine, and the New York Liberty.

Shai, Sruly, Lyla and Ezra joined FJC in 2021 when daughter Lyla started Hebrew School. The family has appreciated the warm community and have made new friendships. Lyla loves Hebrew School (wow!), and has made great friends, connected with her teachers, and has learned Hebrew and about the Jewish Calendar. The family enjoys being rooted in their Brooklyn community, and FJC plays a big role in that. 

Jude is so grateful to have been welcomed by FJC after searching for the right Jewish community since they moved to Brooklyn in 2011. They work in NYC’s Division of Energy Management and they’re an artist, musician, and seasonal high holidays cantor at a small shul in Ohio. They love cooking vegan food for friends (come over for Shabbat dinner!), roller skating at the LeFrak Center in the summer, and snuggling with their cat Charlotte.

Welcome Ellen Levitt, Howard Dankowitz & Jessica and Michelle!

Ellen and the girls are lifelong Brooklynites (and all Murrow HS alums), Howard is originally from Queens/Long Island. We love rabbits and cats, baseball, a wide variety of music and the Botanic Garden.

We enjoy being part of the FJC community.

Ari L. Monts is a writer, ritualist, zine maker, and Jewish educator. Their work engages in rigorous play, pleasure, participation, and accessibility. They’re excited about Talmud, pedagogy and performance and frequently teach one-off classes with Ammud: JOC Torah Academy.

Ari was a 2021 ALEPH Kesher Fellow and is currently part of Cohort 5 of the SVARA Teaching Kollel.