GET TO KNOW US
GET TO KNOW US
Raymond Zachary
Founder/ CEO
Raymond Zachary (they/them)is a classically trained countertenor currently located in Los Angeles. They attended the American Jewish University as a Jewish studies major and has served as a Cantorial Soloist and Shaliach Tzibbur for several years, having the opportunity to sing with some of the most prestigious names in cantorial music. Raymond has sung in more than 35 synagogues around the globe and has also done extensive concert work within the Jewish community. Raymond currently serves on the board of the Guild of Temple Musicians, supervising a portfolio focused on Diversity and Inclusion, and is the Shaliach Tzibbur (associate clergy) at Congregation B’nai Tzedek.
Outside of synagogue life, Raymond is an award-winning Musical theatre actor and has performed in numerous symphonic and theatrical productions, including an annual residency at Disneyland with the Klezmer band Mostly Kosher.
Rebecca Marcus
Director of Operations
Rebecca Marcus (She/Her) is excited to join Rainbow Shabbat as the inaugural Director of Operations. Rebecca comes to Rainbow Shabbat after having spent the last decade working in both the Jewish and secular nonprofit world, providing operational support to various teams and projects. A native San Diegan, Rebecca moved to Los Angeles in 2012. She completed her Master’s degree in Jewish Communal Service at American Jewish University and receive her certificate in Project Management from Northwestern University.
In her spare time, Rebecca enjoys a good book or tv show, theatre, attending concerts with her parents and friends and weekly trips to Disneyland.
Our Mission
Rainbow Shabbat is a Jewish LGBTQIA+ organization dedicated to celebrating, educating, and advocating for queer inclusion in religious life. We partner with synagogues, schools, and communities to create joyful, affirming programming that uplifts the voices and experiences of LGBTQIA+ Jews. Through inclusive Shabbat services, vibrant cultural events, educational workshops, and curriculum development, we help transform Jewish spaces into places of belonging—where all people are honored as reflections of the Divine.
What our clients say
What our clients say
“Our entire experience of Rainbow Shabbat with Miss Livinya Karr was wonderful. Planning the service was easy – Raymond brings a vast knowledge of Synagogue repertoire, and we were able to put together a good mix of music that enabled Miss Livinya to shine but still felt like our service. We chose to do the service together, but Miss Livinya can lead the entire thing herself, if preferred. We got many comments after the service from congregants who were not sure if it would feel too silly, along with everything going on in the world. They were very pleased that Miss Livinya brings a delightful mix of humor and levity balanced with real depth and emotion along with experienced cantorial knowledge. Miss Livinya Karr has brought her talents to our Friday night Pride Shabbat as well as to our ECC for Rainbow Tot Shabbat. Every service she has led with our community has been very successful and very well received. Highly Recommend!”
Cantorial Soloist Shelly Fox (Temple Israel of Hollywood)
“The opportunity to host Raymond Zachary, in their extraordinary drag role of Miss Livinya Karr, was a gift for FRS. As both Raymond and Livinya, they shared beautiful, deeply personal stories of growing up as a young, queer Jew, navigating school bullies and gender norms, as well as what it means to step onto the bima and lead a community.”
Cantor Zöe Jacobs (Finchley Reform Synagoge, London UK)
Rainbow Shabbat with Miss Livinia is a joyful, welcoming experience that brings families together through music, movement, and the spirit of Shabbat. It was so wonderful being a part of a warm, inclusive space where we could celebrate love, community, and tradition in a way that felt truly meaningful—and so much fun! Our child was beaming the whole time, and we left feeling more connected to each other and to Shabbat.
Rabbi Calvin Dox-DaCosta, Associate Rabbi at Temple Israel of Hollywood
"Raymond was so professional and a breeze to collaborate and build the service with. They brought their deep love of Judaism, their impeccable musicality, and their sparkling personality to our Rainbow Shabbat and left everyone wanting more. We cannot wait to have Raymond back."
Cantor Lisa Peicott (Senior Cantor, Wilshire Boulevard Temple, LA)
“Raymond Zachary knows their stuff. They are not only Jewishly educated, but they also have a powerful voice and a beautiful neshama. Their background enables them to connect emotionally and ritually to Jews of all traditions.”
Rabbi Michelle Missaghieh (Temple Israel of Hollywood)
Rainbow Shabbat proved to be an even greater delight for my congregation than expected. Presented with integrity, sparkling energy, fabulous voice, humor, and knowledge of the liturgy, Raymond was also a joy to work with. We were able to discuss the music and shape the service according to the style and tastes of our congregation. We received Raymond’s presentation in a well-organized and timely manner. I highly recommend Raymond, whose flexibility lends to any shul experience!