Leslie Gold Ruder

Founder-Director
Email: [email protected]

In the midst of her long career in professional theatre, film, and television - acting, directing, producing, casting, stage managing and playwriting (her published one-act play, "The Ger," was written years before she opened a Chumash!), Leslie was rescued by Aish HaTorah in Los Angeles, where she was pursuing fame, fortune, and an Oscar. Thank G-d for unanswered prayers!

Leslie learned how to be a Torah Jew during her years at She'arim College for Jewish Women in Yerushalayim, then at the ripe age of 45 found her bashert, and had their baby two days after their first anniversary, B''H (yes, that's the miracle story you heard).

A long-time Passaic, NJ resident, Leslie coaches women to achieve their goals, teaches acting for women and girls, emcees events and performs now and then, including in the popular comedic web series "Soon By You," and at the open mic nights she puts on with her long-time collaborator, the magnificent Miriam Sandler. Leslie and Miriam wrote and directed the original musical "Tales of Teen Island," featuring Miriam's and Shaindel Antelis' glorious music. Leslie's Acting & Improv workshops for women 18-80+ are sought after around the US and Israel, and have been called "Transformative," "Better than any therapy I've ever had!" and "The highlight of the Retreat!

Leslie recently launched HERe: "Happenings" for Jewish Women, to bring frum Jewish women together for relaxation and elevation in a variety of settings while creating opportunities for the most talented female performers in the frum world to shine their light on us all. Since the pandemic began, HERe: Happenings for Jewish Women has been privileged to bring together the most incredible Jewish Women Kol isha-observing professional performing artists from around the world, reaching thousands of women in the US, Canada, Israel, England, South Africa and beyond!