Join us to celebrate Chanukah Shabbat with lots of color and Artist in residence Raymond Zachary as Miss Livinya Karr!

 Cantorial Soloist Raymond Zachary is a classically trained countertenor currently located in East L.A. They attended the American Jewish University as a Jewish studies major and has served as a Cantorial Soloist for several years, having the opportunity to sing with some of the most prestigious names in cantorial music. Raymond has sung on more than 35 Bimot and in congregations such as Temple bat Yahm, Congregation Ner Tamid of South Bay, and Stephen Wise Temple just to name a few. Raymond has also done extensive concert work within the Jewish community and has previously served as the Judaic outreach specialist and Dramaturg for the California Center for the Performing Arts in Escondido. In addition, Raymond has been a religious school teacher for a number of years passing on the traditions of the Jewish people to the next generation. Raymond is a proud member of the Guild of Temple Musicians in association with the American Conference of Cantors. 

Outside of synagogue life, Raymond is an award-winning Musical theatre actor and has performed in numerous symphonic as well as theatrical productions. With their drag persona Miss Livinya Karr, Raymond wrote a series of programming called Rainbow Shabbat which has been implemented in synagogues all across the western region. This Shabbaton encourages LGBTQIA+ shul goers to not only feel comfortable as a “Jew-in-the-pew” But also serves as an outreach program to say that their Community encourages them to take leadership positions on their boards, committees, and even as their clergy.  With programs ranging from Top Shabbat, religious school, teen programs, and adult education Rainbow Shabbat strives to reach every age of jew. Please feel free to keep up with Livinia on all of her adventures, and future Rainbow Shabbat programming on Instagram: @MissLivinyaKarr