Kol Ami began in 1988 when a small group of families dreamed of an inclusive, welcoming synagogue where Shabbat and Jewish learning would be at the heart of community life. Early services took place in homes and community centres before moving to Leo Baeck Day School.
Under the inspiring leadership of Rabbi Nancy Wechsler and Cantorial Soloist Dawn Bernstein, our prayers came alive with spirit and song. Rabbi Daniel Gottlieb’s tenure saw our community flourish and grow across York Region.
With Rabbi Micah Streiffer’s arrival in 2011, Kol Ami embraced a renewed energy for music, learning, and connection – making our community stronger and more vibrant than ever. That same year, we completed renovations on our space at Leo Baeck, where we remained until 2021. Rabbi Streiffer, now our Rabbi Emeritus, has gone on to found LAASOK, an online space for progressive, egalitarian learning.
Our home since 2021 is in the Kimel Family Education Centre, which is housed within the Jewish Community Centre at the Vaughan Campus. We continue to be a warm and welcoming congregation, ideally located in the centre of York Region’s Jewish community. Rabbi Lori Cohen leads with warmth and vision, fostering a nurturing and inclusive community. Cantorial Soloist Aron Katz brings his deep passion for music and Jewish life, enriching our services and inspiring all who join us.