Dara Frimmer
Dara was recognized in 2014 as the Human Rights Rabbi of
the Year by T’ruah, the national Jewish justice organization. The award
reflects her outstanding leadership at Isaiah, among interfaith communities in
Los Angeles, and nationally, on issues of health, environment, education,
hunger and human rights.
A graduate of Stanford University, with a B.A. in Feminist Studies and Religious Studies and a Masters in Theological Studies at Harvard Divinity School, Dara was ordained in 2006 at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York City. During her years in NYC, she completed her second unit of hospital chaplaincy, taught “Introduction to Judaism” at the 92nd Street Y, and led trips to Latin America with American Jewish World Service. As a rabbinic intern, she served two years at Congregation Kol Ami in White Plains, NY. In 2005 she was selected as the Marshall T. Meyer Rabbinic Fellow at Congregation B’nai Jeshurun where she taught, led services, and helped to grow Tze’irim, the 20's-30's group.
Since joining the Isaiah community in 2007 as Assistant Rabbi, Dara is engaged in every aspect of congregational and life cycle events, with a focus on social justice issues, Israel, and religious education. She is active with many local organizations committed to social justice including: American Jewish World Service, Bend the Arc (Los Angeles Regional Council & Selah Leadership), Hazon, Jewish World Watch, Just Congregations, One LA-IAF and Reform CA. Since 2012, Dara has taught The Shalom Hartman Institute’s iEngage curriculum to the Isaiah community. In January 2014, alumni from the class joined her for a ten day trip to Israel titled: “Israel 2.0: In Pursuit of Justice & Peace”. In her free time, Dara can be found shopping at the local farmer’s market or pretending to follow Wisconsin sports teams.