We are proud allies of the LGBTQIA+ community, and are proud to celebrate and advocate for the community through worship and song. We are thrilled to have Raymond Zachary join us via Zoom for this year’s service.
Cantorial Soloist Raymond Zachary (they/them) 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 done extensive concert work within the Jewish community. They 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 and B’nai Mitzvah tutor for a number of years passing on the traditions of the Jewish people to the next generation.
Outside of synagogue life, Raymond is an award-winning Musical theatre actor and has performed in numerous symphonic and 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 country and internationally. This shabbatone encourages LGBTQIA+ shul goers to not only feel comfortable as a “Jew-in-the-pew”, but 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.
Join us in person at MLRT or via mlrt.org/livestream
