David Friedman

David Friedman and his family have been members of the Kol Ami community since 2019. He has served as a Steering Committee member, Vice President, and President and had the joy of his son becoming a Bar Mitzvah as part of Kol Ami.

David was raised in a home that was culturally Jewish, but not very observant. Like many others, he was alienated from his Jewish roots when he tried to join a Reform congregation that would not fully accept his interfaith family. Thankfully they found Kol Ami after moving to the Arlington area. His family joined so their son could learn about his cultural and religious heritage, but they stayed because of Kol Ami’s amazing, inclusive, progressive community and fabulous Rabbi.

David is an interdisciplinarian, trained as an engineer and policy expert while also studying economics, philosophy and religion. He has spent his career working to make the world a better place at the intersections of policy, science, and engineering. His career has included advocating for cleaner cars and other climate solutions; leading federal agencies on auto safety, energy efficiency and renewable energy; and fighting for a more fair and just marketplace for all consumers.