A Study Guide to Episode Three: You Can Dance

Leora Kaye’s experience spans across the spectrum of the “Jewish World” including education, programming, and filmmaking. As a rabbi she has focused on seeking new ways to expand people’s understanding of Judaism – encouraging them to approach Judaism on their own terms, through teaching and offering opportunities in sophisticated and innovative ways, while infusing them with knowledge of Jewish tradition.While in rabbinical school she worked as a production associate on the award-winning documentary Blue Vinyl, which was shown at the Sundance Film Festival in 2001 and subsequently aired on HBO in 2002. Since then she has combined her interest in media and religion by producing videos for NFTY, Matan, and other Jewish organizations. Leora acted as a rabbinic consultant for the new Shalom Sesame project which launched in November of 2010 and has also acted in an advisory position for various documentaries and television shows.As the Program Director for Congregation Rodeph Sholom since 2004, she creates and organizes inventive programs including a film festival, inviting dynamic speakers and fostering intimate discussions and study opportunities for the congregation and greater New York City community.She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin at Madison and received her rabbinical ordination from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York in 2002. She lives in Brooklyn, New York with her daughter Galit and husband Doug Gordon, a writer and television producer.