Description
Rabbi Neil Blumofe
Honored to lead the Unshakeable Agudas Achim community — especially in these challenging times, Rabbi Blumofe believes that days of flourishing are still before us, as we continue to learn and share experiences with each other, take care of each other, and discover the power and abiding strength of sacred community. A graduate of the Jewish Theological Seminary (Rabbinical School, Cantorial School, and Graduate School), and of the Academy for Jewish Religion – California (Rabbinical School), Rabbi Blumofe also teaches rabbinical and cantorial students studying at Academy for Jewish Religion (NY), and those studying for their degrees in Divinity at Austin Seminary, and The Seminary of the Southwest. Actively involved in civic life in Austin, he serves on multiple Boards and regularly convenes conversations and evenings of jazz — exploring identity, heritage, and meaning — connecting Judaism, spirituality, and African American traditions all within the storied history of the United States. Father of three children, Rabbi Blumofe and his wife reside in Austin, TX.
Simone Talma Flowers
Executive Director of the Interfaith Action of Central Texas (iACT), Simone holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Business Administration from St. Edward’s University. Raised in Trinidad, she is passionate about her work with iACT: “Every day we touch lives, we change lives, simply by reaching out and connecting with people letting them know how important they are and how much they matter.” She has over 24 years of extensive experience in non-profit management and has served on numerous Boards including as President of St. James’ Episcopal School, Senior Warden at St. James’ Episcopal Church, Board Treasurer for Urban Roots Farm, Board member of Community Advancement Network (CAN), Secretary of the Ecumenical and Interreligious Leaders Network, and Chair of St. Edwards Alumni Association. Simone resides in Austin and is married to the Honorable Wilford Flowers.
Michelle Ami Reyes, Ph.D.
A second-generation Indian American author, speaker, and activist, Dr. Reyes serves as the Vice President of the Asian American Christian Collaborative and the Scholar in Residence at Hope Community Church, a minority-led multicultural church in East Austin that her husband, Aaron, and she co-planted. Author of Becoming All Things: How Small Changes Lead to Lasting Connections Across Cultures, and the co-author of The Race-Wise Family: Ten Postures to Becoming Households of Healing and Hope, Dr. Reyes is passionate about breaking cycles of injustice in our country and helping inspire and equip the next generation to live out their callings at the intersection of their faith and culture. She lives in Austin, TX with her husband and two children.
