My name is Hannah Pomerantz and I am a Rabbinic Legislative Fellow this summer. I am currently a third-year student at the Los Angeles Campus of the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. I have previously been involved in political work, including an internship with the office of Senator Sherrod Brown (Ohio), but relish the opportunity to combine my passion for progressive politics with my commitment to justice through the lens of Judaism. This summer, my portfolio includes a focus on advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, the climate crisis, and broadening participation in justice efforts. Outside of my work and studies, I am an avid baker, reader, hiker, and watcher of women’s sports. I am honored to be part of the JCJ team and look forward to all the work we have ahead of us!
My name is Sophie Koz, a Micah Bycel Legislative Fellow this summer. I am from Bellevue, Washington, and will be entering my second year at American University in Washington, D.C., studying political science with a concentration in American government. I am a part of JCJ to become educated on the legislative process and to learn how I can make an impact on others while progressing the country forward. This summer, I hope to work on advocating for reproductive rights as well as strict gun control laws.
My name is Waylon Richling, and I am a rising senior at Brighton Hall School in Burbank. I am very passionate about working with JCJ to help create a more equal society for all. I have served as the Student Council President at my school. I am also a Madrichim for 5th grade students at Wilshire Boulevard Temple, and enjoy helping them learn Hebrew. I love helping out my community, and spending time with friends and family.
My name is Andrew Lubliner, and I am a rising senior at Brentwood School in Los Angeles. I am deeply passionate about social justice and look forward to working with JCJ this summer. The issues I am most excited to work on are food insecurity and homelessness. Outside of JCJ, I am a teacher’s assistant at Wilshire Boulevard Temple Religious School, volunteer with Food Cycle LA, and play varsity basketball and baseball. I also enjoy spending time with my friends and family!
My name is Rebecca Lazarus and I am a rising senior at the Archer School for Girls in Brentwood. I am thrilled to be working with JCJ this summer to further my activism and affect positive change in our community. I plan to focus primarily on fighting alongside many inspirational leaders for reproductive rights throughout the U.S. In my free time, I participate in competitive gymnastics and I love to read and spend time with my friends and family.
My name is Simon Bank, and I am a rising senior at Geffen Academy at UCLA. I’m deeply passionate about social justice and look forward to furthering this passion as a legislative fellow. My focus this summer will be on environmental policy and economic justice. I also care deeply about the future of our democracy and will be working on voting rights and watching closely, on behalf of JCJ, as redistricting is being looked at by the Supreme Court. I’m also an avid soccer player, reader and dog lover.
My name is Vivianne Arnold and I am a rising sophomore at The Archer School for Girls in Los Angeles. I believe it to be my duty as a Jewish person to work to make the world a better and safer place for everyone. I’m so thrilled to be working with JCJ to better learn how to take action. While there are a number of issues I am passionate about, I will be focusing on climate justice, combating anti-trans legislation, and criminal justice reform. In my spare time I enjoy reading, working on theater with friends, and spending time in nature.