Our board.
Aaron Densham is a co-founder of Kolenu. The community began in his share house living room many years ago in East St Kilda.
He is a facilitator and educator working on projects across sectors and industries focused on positive social and environmental change.
He is a super passionate father of two and loves being Jewish!
Ash Densham is a co-founder of the Kehila and served as the Mekasher of the organisation from 2017-2021.
He is passionate about Hebrew folk music and has compiled the Kolenu Kabbalat Shabbat siddurim across the years.
He sits on the board with a drive to develop a wider breadth of Kolenu-facilitated chaggim and smachot.
Alice Chipkin is the current Chair of Kolenu, She is a writer, artist and high school teacher who grew up on Gadigal country in Sydney.
She has been a passionate member of Kolenu for years, often dialing in from interstate homes. Having returned from a few years teaching up on Larrakia country she is delighted to be on the Kolenu board.
Emma Light was first introduced to Kolenu Friday nights by her children and it has become the highlight of her week.
She strives to actualise her Jewish identity in authentic and meaningful ways and is excited by the emerging opportunities for Jewish connectivity that Kolenu offers.
Between Friday nights at Kolenu, Emma is inspired by embracing change and enriches her life with family, friends and nature.
Lior Harel was appointed to the Board in August 2021.
Lior has practised commercial law for almost 20 years, and has a love of meditation and yoga.
His claim to ‘Kolenu fame’ is being the father of two young sons who love nothing more than drumming along to Kolenu tunes as often as they can.
Noa Shaul has been a member of Kehilat Kolenu for many years and is so excited to bring her passion for the kehila as a board member.
She has been actively involved in the community, primarily through the youth movements, and is passionate about organisations that create a space for their members to engage authentically with their Judaism.
Noa works in family law, and, being an associate to a Jewish judge at the Federal Circuit and Family Court, she can't seem to get away from having philosophical debates about her Judaism, even at work!
Our mazkirut.
Daniel Samowitz is our Mekasher - Community Director.
For the last 20 years, Daniel has spent his time in formal and experiential learning and teaching. His life’s mission has been to find meaningful and relevant ways to take responsibility for the Jewish people.
Dan believes that Kolenu can and must be a major force for creating and cultivating personal and collective Jewish meaning in the Melbourne Jewish community and beyond.
Mia Borowitz has been an integral part of the Kolenu community for 5 years. Currently an Arts/Law student, Mia's passions range from performing arts to fostering connections within the Jewish community.
Her journey towards active community involvement began at SKIF, where she served as a leader and chairperson, instilling in her a deep commitment to Jewish values and community engagement.
Attending Kab Shab services has been a highlight of Mia's week for years!
Daniel Etzion has been a member of Kehilat Kolenu since the very early days of the community.
He is a public sector economist where he focuses on the decarbonisation of international trade, and a mediocre percussionist at Kolenu where he focuses on keeping time.
After several years living in Canberra, Perth, London and Tel Aviv, Daniel is glad to return to Melbourne and lead the Leviim musicians.
Russell (Guss) Goldblatt has been heading up the Chaggim tzevet (festivals team) at Kolenu since he moved across from Perth a few years ago, and is currently working on a PhD in Physics at the University of Melbourne.
Guss went on Shnat with Habonim Dror in 2013, where he laid eyes on a Kehilat Kolenu siddur for the first time. Outside of study and Kolenu, Guss likes to spend his time riding his bike and making hummus whenever possible.
