Embark is all about exploring Jewish life in interfaith relationships – without the pressure to convert. Connect with other couples in their 20s and 30s and an Embark rabbi as you learn, share, and grow together in a supportive space. Whether you’re curious about tradition or building your own, discover a Jewish life that’s uniquely yours. Embark cohorts consist of 6-10 couples that meet weekly for 6 cohort sessions, a retreat, and a Shabbat dinner.

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Cantor Kalix Jacobson

Cantor Kalix Jacobson (they/them) begins their tenure as Sole Spiritual Leader of Temple David in Monroeville, PA on July 1st, 2026. They were ordained from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in 2023 in the first cohort of transgender or nonbinary cantors in history, alongside their colleagues Cantors Ze’evi Tovlev and Jordan Goldstein. Cantor Kalix is deeply committed to helping interfaith, interdenominational, reaffirming, and Reform couples find meaning and joy in the Judaism in their relationship. They believe that Judaism is more than just a spiritual walk, but also a philosophical ideology that helps so many of us live meaningful lives. They believe that Judaism contains wisdom for all, regardless of background or faith tradition, and they intend to help anyone who asks to find exactly that wisdom that is meaningful and helpful for them.

Cantor Kalix lives in the South Hills of Pittsburgh with their fiancé, Mickey Benson, who is part of the Agewell staff at the JCC. When they’re not serving their community, you can find them working out at the JCC, traveling, trying out the best vegetarian and vegan food Pittsburgh has to offer, or listening to a podcast.