Transforming the Jewish World

Rabbinic Ordination and Chaplaincy & Master of Jewish Studies Graduation

MAY 25, 2020 2 SIVAN 5780 Jewish Leadership

The Academy for Jewish Religion California (AJRCA) is a transdenominational learning community educating , cantors, chaplains, and community leaders who will transform Jewish communities into places of wholeness and well- being. We combine immersion in text and tradition with openness to the wisdom of many streams of Jewish thought and practice, giving students both the knowledge and the tools to develop their own personal integration of Judaism. Flexible scheduling, including distance learning, makes it possible for students to engage in advanced study at their own pace. All our programs offer graduate degrees accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Above all, AJRCA recognizes each student’s unique attributes, consciously nurturing and developing their personal skills and natural gifts in order that they may reach their greatest potential. At this Ordination and Graduation ceremony, you will have a taste of the wonderful outcomes that we at the Academy experience in our lives.

The Rabbinical School Our ancient Jewish texts yield deep and precious wisdom, so Tanakh, , liturgy, mysticism, philosophy, and history are the substance of rabbinical studies. We aim for a spiritually-based approach that enables our graduates to convey the holiness of daily life, and depth of meaning in study and practice. Our rabbinical candidates also acquire specific professional and clinical pastoral skills that equip them to help those in need.

The Cantorial School Cantorial study involves immersion in our Jewish musical tradition as well as competence in a variety of musical expressions drawn from the contemporary world’s Jewish music. Through internships, our students participate fully in the larger community’s musical life. We also prepare our cantorial students for educational and pastoral roles in order to function effectively as clergy in our complex Jewish world.

The Chaplaincy School & Clinical Pastoral Education Jewish chaplains are called upon to work with diverse individuals, families, communities, and institutions, both Jewish and non-Jewish. In order to serve the needs of all of these constituencies, the Chaplaincy School successfully integrates pertinent Judaic studies and their application to modern situations with intensive training in clinical pastoral care and the study of human development. AJRCA's Clinical Pastoral Education program continues to offer Jewish, Christian, Buddhist, and students from many traditions the opportunity to expand their chaplaincy skills within our fully accredited ACPE, Inc. Satellite CPE center. We are a proud ACPE, Inc. Satellite of Methodist Hospital of Southern California. In addition, our students attend InterSem, an annual retreat for Jewish and Christian seminarians, and we facilitate exchanges of students from a variety of schools.

Master of Jewish Studies Program Jewish leadership extends beyond clergy roles. For those who want to strengthen their ability to contribute to Jewish communal life, as well as to grow personally and spiritually, we offer Master’s degree programs in ethics, music, interfaith relations, Sephardic studies, and community building. Alumni Given their unique transdenominational training, Rabbis, Cantors, and Chaplains who graduate from the Academy work in a variety of denominational and transdenominational synagogues, organizations, and institutions nationwide. The following is a representative list:

PULPITS PULPITS continued JEWISH COMMUNAL LEADERSHIP Conservative Trans/Postdenominational/ California Lutheran Univ., Thousand Oaks, CA B'nai Shalom, Vista, CA Unaffi liated/Other Community Rabbis, , CA Congregation Agudas Achim, Austin, TX Ahavat Torah Congregation, Los Angeles, CA Sandra Caplan Beit Din, Culver City, CA Congregation Beth Shalom, Corona, CA Beth Israel Congregation, Greeley, CO Shutafi m, New Mexico Jewish Connections, Congregation B'nai Israel, Tustin, CA Congregation Bet Shalom, Tuscon, AZ Albuquerque, NM Congregation Ner Tamid of South Bay, Congregation Beth Jacob, Redwood City, CA Rancho Palos Verdes, CA Congregation B'nai Horin, Los Angeles, CA CHAPLAINCY/SPIRITUAL CARE Fort Belvoir Congregation, Ft. Belvoir, VA Congregation B'nai Or, St. Croix, U.S.V.I Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA Sinai Temple, Los Angeles, CA Congregation Kehillah of Arizona, Beit T'shuvah, Los Angeles, CA Temple Beth Sholom, Temecula, CA Scottsdale, AZ Buena Vista Hospice, Thousand Oaks, CA Temple Ner Tamid, San Francisco, CA Congregation Shir Chadash, Lakewood, CA California Dept. of Corrections, San Quentin, CA Temple Ramat Zion, Northridge, CA Congregation Shir Shalom, Sonoma, CA Cedars Sinai Med. Ctr., Los Angeles, CA Temple Sholom, Greenwich, CT Congregation N'vay Shalom, Los Angeles, CA Children's Hospital, Los Angeles, CA Valley Beth Israel, Sun Valley, CA Desert Outreach Synagogue, Covia, Oakland, CA Valley Beth Shalom, Encino, CA Rancho Mirage, CA Denver Hospice, Denver, CO Fountainview at Gonda, Los Angeles, CA Greater Miami Jewish Federation, Miami, FL Conservative/Reform Jewish Community & Learning Center, Congregation Beth Shalom, Sioux City, IA Jewish Federation & Family Services of O.C., Sunland, CA Irvine, CA Congregation Kol Ami, Salt Lake City, UT Jewish Community of Ojai, Ojai, CA Temple Shalom, Colorado Springs, CO Jewish Healing Center of L.A., Los Angeles, CA Jewish Community of Sedona & Verde Valley, Jewish Home for the Aging, Los Angeles, CA Sedona, AZ L.A. Community Chaplaincy Services, L.A., CA Humanistic Lev Chadash, Chino Valley, AZ Adat Chaverim, Encino, CA Motion Picture & Television Fund, Nachshon Minyan, Encino, CA Woodland Hills, CA Reconstructionist / Renewal Nefesh, Los Angeles, CA Madrona Hospice & Palliative Care, Congregation P'nai Tikvah, Las Vegas, NV Oahu Jewish Ohana, Honolulu, HI Scottsdale, AZ Makom Ohr Shalom, Encino, CA Open Temple, Venice, CA Meridian Assisted Living, Cheviot Hills, CA Wholly Present, A Center for Embodied Temple Beth El, Santa Maria, CA Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center, Spirituality, El Sobrante, CA Temple Beth Or, Reno, NV Pasadena, CA Temple Ner Simcha, Agoura Hills, CA P.E.C. Hospice, Garden Grove, CA Reform Valley Outreach Synagogue, Calabasas, CA Providence St. John's Med. Ctr., Beth Emet, Evanston, IL Zimrat Yah, Santa Barbara, CA Santa Monica, CA Beit Knesset BaMidbar, Las Vegas, NV Providence St. Joseph Med. Ctr., Burbank, CA Congregation Beth Israel, Scottsdale, AZ JEWISH EDUCATION Providence Tarzana Med. Ctr., Tarzana, CA Congregation Beth Israel, West Hartford, CT Beit Kulam, Sherwood Forest, CA Seasons Hospice, Broward County, FL Congregation B'nai Tikvah, Walnut Creek, CA Congregation Tikvat Jacob, Skirball Hospice, Encino, CA Congregation Emanu-El, San Francisco, CA Manhattan Beach, CA St. Paul's Towers, Oakland, CA Congregation Emeth, Morgan Hill, CA Jewish Community Center, San Francisco, CA The Sparta Project, Valencia, CA Congregation Ner Tamid, Henderson, NV Jewish Community High School of the Bay, Valley Outreach Synagogue, Calabasas, CA Congregation Ohr Tzafon, Atascadero, CA San Francisco, CA Walter Reed Nat'l. Military Medical Center, Jewish Communities of the Desert, Jewish Day School of Metro. Seattle, Bethesda, MD Desert Hot Springs, CA Bellevue, WA Temple Ahavat Shalom, Northridge, CA Melton School of Adult Learning, ACADEMIA Temple Akiba, Culver City, CA Los Angeles, CA Academy for Jewish Religion, Los Angeles, CA Temple Beth David, Temple City, CA Ohr Echad/HomeShul, Agoura Hills, CA Temple Beth El, Aptos, CA Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. Shalom Hartman Institute, L.A., CA L.A. Valley College, L.A., CA Temple Beth Hillel, Richmond, CA Sinai Akiba Academy, L.A., CA Temple Beth Israel, Pomona, CA University of Arizona, College of Medicine Tarbut v'Torah, Irvine, CA Yavapai Community College, Prescott, AZ Temple Beth Tikvah, Wayne, NJ Temple Menorah, Redondo Beach, CA Temple B'rith Shalom, Prescott, AZ Temple Emanuel, Beverly Hills, CA OTHER Temple Emanuel, Pueblo, CO Camp JCA Shalom, Malibu, CA Wilshire Boulevard Temple, Los Angeles, CA Shalom Institute, Malibu, CA Community Events and Educational Opportunities

As we celebrate our 20th year of inspiring and educating Jewish leaders, we are proud to highlight our events of the past year. Avid learners both local AND from across North America have attended a number of our events and learning opportunities via livestreaming:

INTERFAITH DIALOGUE

“The Art of Peacemaking” – speakers representing the Christian, Muslim, and Jewish faiths led a discussion on how faith communities can promote inclusivity, tolerance, and respect for diversity. Presented as a joint project of AJRCA and Claremont Lincoln University.

LUNCH & LEARNS

“The New “ – an exploration of the dramatic life of a landmark congregation as it seeks to replace its legendary retiring rabbi and reinvent itself for the next generation. Led by author Stephen Fried.

“Reimagining Jewish Identity in Israel“ – ethno-nationalism and the privatization of tradition in Israel, with Dr. Tomer Persico, Scholar in Residence from Shalom Hartman Institute and UC Berkeley Visiting Assistant Professor of Jewish and Israel Studies.

“A Case of Cremation” – a study of a classic halachic responsa on the topic of cremation with Rabbi Dr. Joseph Ozarowski, BCC, DMin, a -based rabbinic counselor, chaplain, adjunct professor, and author.

“The (Un)Examined Life” – Learning to view the missteps in our lives not as failures, but as opportunities to incorporate our darker impulses and channel them into productivity. Led by Rabbi Ben Goldstein, Senior Rabbi of Beit T’shuvah in Los Angeles.

“A Rabbi at Sea” – a treasure trove of reflections on the spiritual journey of AJRCA alumna, Rabbi Corinne Copnick, ’14, as she encountered a variety of cultures and peoples during her travels around the world as a cruise ship rabbi.

COMMUNITY LECTURE SERIES

“Prepare for the High Holy Days“ – finding deep and meaningful transformation during the High Holy Days, with Rabbi Aharon Serr, Professor of Hassidic Thought at AJRCA.

“Voices of Women Rabbis“ – featuring contemporary rabbis sharing their perspectives on dealing with loss and trauma, creating change in the Jewish community and engaging in meaningful prayer experiences. Taught by: Rabbi Tirzah Firestone, PhD, author and Founding Rabbi of Nevei Kodesh in Boulder, Colorado; Rabbi Sarah Bassin, Associate Rabbi of Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills; and Rabbi Yael Saidoff, MA, MFT, Psychotherapist.

“The Path from Wholeness to Holiness“ – a blended approach to holiness using gems from Mussar, Hasidut, and Kabbala. Led by Rabbi Mel Gottlieb, PhD and President of AJRCA. Community Events and Educational Opportunities (continued)

“The World to Come“ – an exploration of the hints of the World to Come in Torah as they relate to the Messianic Age, resurrection of the dead, angels, reincarnation, and more. Taught by Rabbi Aharon Serr, Professor of Hassidic Thought, AJRCA.

“Judaism in Modernity“ – a survey of what some of the greatest thinkers of recent times had to say about the Jewish condition in modern times. Led by Rabbi Tal Sessler, PhD, Senior Rabbi of Sephardic Temple Tifereth Israel, and Professor of Jewish Philosophy at AJRCA.

SPIRITUAL CARE SEMINARS – EXPLORATIONS IN MEANING-MAKING

“A Personal and Pastoral Approach to Interfaith Narrative“ with Rev. Victor Gabriel, PhD

“How to Untangle Yourself“ with author and executive coach Sandie Bass

“Ordination: Can the Twisted Road Still Take You Home?“ with Cantor Rebekah Mirsky, AJRCA alumna, composer, playwright, and Founding Cantor of Beit T’shuvah

“Healing Words“ with Dr. Jacob Zighelboim, oncologist, author, and Professor of Bioethics and Philosophical Thought at AJRCA

“Listening to Stories – Lessons Learned About Clients and Ourselves“ with Rabbi Jason Mann, MD, Hospital Chaplain and Spiritual Director

“Metaphor or Literal: Narrative as Art“ with Rev. Victor Gabriel, PhD

“Finding Meaning in Our Struggles with Illness“ with Rabbi Jason Mann, MD, Hospital Chaplain and Spiritual Director

“The Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Health Crisis in American Higher Education“ with Dr. Varun Soni, JD, PhD, USC Dean of Religious Life

“Writing from the Heart: Creating an Ethical Will“ with Chaplain Muriel Dance, PhD

“The Meaning of Meaning-Making for Patients, Clinicians, Grievers, and Chaplains with Nita Millstein, MBA and MA Bioethics Rabbinical Class of 2020

RACHEL EDEN AXELRAD ,uru vbj ,c kjr Rachel Axelrad graduated from Pomona College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Russian Studies, and from University of La Verne with a Bachelor of Science degree in both Accounting and Finance. She spent 32 years working for the Defense Contract Audit Agency, Southern California Edison, the California Power Exchange, and Sargent Fletcher Corporation, in various positions from Auditor to Controller to Systems Analyst. Rachel is a Certified Public Accountant (inactive) in the state of California, and a Certified Internal Auditor. While supporting her daughters through their b’not mitzvah, Rachel discovered a new spiritual plane and decided to study for her adult bat mitzvah. It was soon after that she discovered AJRCA and realized a strong connection with the academic community at the Academy and the pluralistic approach. Upon fully retiring from her secular career, Rachel’s rabbinical studies began in earnest. I am deeply grateful to my family for all of their support during the seven long years of study, especially my husband, Edward, and my daughters Erica Axelrad and Dr. Jessica Decker, and my son-in-law, Brandon Decker. I appreciate their sharing in my spiritual growth and learning. I am grateful to my AJRCA instructors for nurturing my love of Hebrew and Scriptural commentary, and for the diversity in the educational curriculum that has opened new avenues for my spiritual exploration. Upon ordination, Rabbi Rachel will continue many of the part-time positions she began during her time of study. These include serving Congregation Sholom in Leisure World as well as various other assisted living facilities and nursing homes, leading a monthly Shabbat morning service at Temple Beth Israel of Pomona, and assisting with services at Congregation Beth Sholom of Temecula. Rachel is thrilled to continue her High Holiday efforts with Desert Outreach Synagogue, working with fellow AJRCA alum, Rabbi Julian King,’18. In addition, Rabbi Rachel intends to pursue a second unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) so that she may engage in part-time chaplaincy work.

CHAPLAIN ADAM B. RUDITSKY, BCC van ic lurc rat Chaplain Adam B. Rudisky, BCC, holds a degree in Composing and Arranging from Dick Grove School of Music in LA (1982), and attended two Christian liberal arts schools, receiving a BA in Religion (MBI, Chicago, 1994) and an MA in Intertestamental/New Testament Studies (ATS, , 2006). In 2007, Adam took a fulltime chaplaincy residency at St Luke’s Episcopal Hospital and Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, TX. Adam next earned an MA in Jewish Liberal Studies (Hebrew College Boston, 2014) and a certificate in Palliative Care Chaplaincy (University of San Marcos, San Marcos, CA, 2014). In 2016, Adam became a Board Certified Chaplain (BCC) with the National Association of Jewish Chaplains (NAJC) and the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC). He also owned an online Judaica store for 15 years. Chaplain Ruditsky has worked for several local hospitals and hospices and today serves as a Spiritual Counselor for the LA Jewish Home’s Skirball Hospice, while also serving as the spiritual leader of Congregation Makom Ohr Shalom, a Renewal congregation in Encino. To my wife, Catharine, you supported our home so I could finish my studies uninterrupted; thank you is simply inadequate. Thank you to Rabbi Ed Feinstein of Valley Beth Shalom (VBS) for being my teacher. To Cantor Lee Greenberg of Temple Knesseth Israel – you taught me how to be a leader. I further want to thank my family, my AJRCA teachers, the VBS Minyan, the Makom community, the rabbis and chaplains of Skirball Hospice and my friends, who have walked this journey with me. My love to all of you. Rabbi Chaplain Adam aspires to continue using his greatest strengths of spiritual care and community support as he serves within the Jewish community. Rabbinical Class of 2020

DR. ARTHUR ALAN STERN kchk ic ovrct ibj Dr. Arthur Stern has a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Ryokan College in Los Angeles, a Master’s Degree in Spiritual Psychology from The University of Santa Monica in Santa Monica and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) from The University of St. Thomas in St. Paul Minnesota. Arthur obtained his undergraduate degree from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, where he graduated with a BA in Economics. For over 30 years, Arthur has worked for several major insurance companies, primarily helping medium to large companies with their employee benefits. Arthur is also a counselor, therapist and life coach, specializing in but not limited to working with alcoholics and addicts. He has been volunteering with Meals on Wheels for fifteen years and more recently joined the spiritual care department of Cedars Sinai Hospital as Chaplain Intern. Arthur’s success has been fueled in part by his real passion — helping others and being of service to G-d. His desire to serve and to deepen his ability to offer spiritual care to others was the real impetus to attend rabbinical school and becoming a rabbi. I am truly grateful for all that AJRCA has done for me throughout this journey and dream to become a rabbi. My heart feels full when I think of the Academy and all of my mentors, teachers and friends. Special thanks to Rabbi Rochelle Robins, Rabbi Eli Schochet, Vered Hopenstand and Rabbi Mel Gottlieb, all of whom believed in me and gave me the spiritual support to excel and graduate. Thank you so much. Upon ordination, Rabbi Dr. Arthur is looking forward to the next chapter of his amazing journey. He will continue to work in the insurance business in addition to his work as a rabbi and counselor. Once retiring from the business world, he will see what path G-d takes him down and will faithfully follow as he always has. Arthur is excited for all that the future holds.

CANTOR CHERI RENÉE WEISS ceghu kjr ,c vecr vrha izjv Cantor Cheri Weiss was ordained a cantor by AJRCA in 2018 and is honored to now be receiving rabbinic ordination. Cheri received her BA in English and Theater from Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut. She holds Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from CSU Northridge, as well as a Master of Sacred Music degree from the Academy. Cheri lived in Israel for six years and studied at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. She was very involved in the music business, performing and writing song lyrics for some of Israel’s most popular singers. She has produced and performed in Jewish music concerts at many venues in San Diego, where she currently resides. Cheri is the founder and spiritual leader of San Diego Outreach Synagogue, an independent, non- denominational congregation that blends traditional and innovative music and prayer. She is the founder and director of the San Diego Jewish Community Choir, a mixed-voice group that explores a wide variety of Jewish music including liturgical prayers, Israeli favorites, musical theater and more. Cheri produced and recorded, “HINENI: Music for the High Holy Days.” Complimentary CDs were distributed to those unable to attend synagogue services: homebound seniors, hospital and hospice patients, retirement homes, as well as to chaplains, rabbis, and social workers. I am filled with gratitude to my husband, Dan; my children Emma and Izabella; and all my family and friends for their continued love and support on this spiritual, rabbinical and academic journey. My deepest thanks to the Board of Directors and congregants of San Diego Outreach Synagogue. May we continue to grow our community steeped in the wisdom, lessons and values of Torah. My heartfelt appreciation to the staff and faculty at the Academy for your wisdom, guidance and kindness. Upon ordination, Rabbi Cantor Cheri Weiss will continue to serve as the spiritual leader of San Diego Outreach Synagogue and as the Director of the San Diego Jewish Community Choir. Chaplaincy Class of 2020

IAN PERRY xnu,u vpxuh ic rha Ian Perry graduated from the College of Creative Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara with a BA in Literature, emphasis in Creative Writing. As an undergraduate, his poetry was published in the student publication Into the Teeth of the Wind. It was during these years that Ian’s sense of Jewish identity and faith first took root. His interest in Jewish studies and desire to understand Jewish tradition, belief and culture flourished. As graduation neared, he came to realize that his true calling was to pursue a profession in the Jewish community. Ian learned about AJRCA’s Chaplaincy School and recognized that he had found a program that best suited his professional aspirations. Ian is on his way to becoming a board-certified chaplain and has completed the four required Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) units. During his years at the Academy, Ian has served as Chaplain Intern at Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services, working with adolescents from the foster care system with mental illness as part of Vista Del Mar’s residential program. As part of Vista Del Mar’s Nes Gadol program, Ian worked with Jewish autistic and disabled children and their families. In addition, he has interned at Methodist Hospital of Southern California, and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. I am grateful to the wonderful student community, faculty and administrators at the Academy, who, from the beginning, welcomed me warmly. I am deeply appreciative of my circle of family and friends – you have been a constant source of support throughout my years of study. This achievement would not have been possible without you. To my mom and dad, Jo and Tom, and my sister, Alix, thank you for always having faith in me. To my partner, Jami, thank you for your unwavering encouragement and love. Upon graduation, Ian will pursue healthcare chaplaincy, serving the Bay Area community.

JUDY WEINTRAUB kyhdu vabn ,c ,hsuvh Judy received her BS in Psychology from UCLA, followed by a Master’s from USC in Special Education, with honors. She worked as an early intervention specialist at USC’s John Tracy Clinic, serving hearing- impaired infants, toddlers, preschoolers and their parents. She also served as an adjunct associate professor at USC’s Graduate Program in Special Education. Judy founded the Los Angeles Chapter of the American Association of Kidney Patients, where she worked to educate and empower people living, as she has, with kidney disease. Judy has taught seminars, published articles, spoken and presented at various conferences on a variety of topics promoting wellness. Based on her life story, Judy screened her self-directed documentary short, Life On The Bridge, in 2015 at the Big Apple Film Festival in . As a chaplaincy candidate, Judy interned at Ahavat Torah Congregation, where she provided individualized spiritual care, led Torah study groups, and regularly delivered Divrei Torah. She also completed a two-year internship at OPICA, a day center for people with dementia. It is her work there that inspired Judy’s thesis: Spiritual Care and Dementia as Informed by a Jewish Perspective. I’d like to thank my family and friends who supported me throughout this journey. It is to my husband, Joel, my life partner in all things and in all ways, to whom I owe my deepest gratitude. He is my love and unwavering cheerleader. I also offer a heartfelt thank you to the amazing faculty and my fellow students of AJRCA with whom I have had the privilege of learning. Above all, I thank HaShem. Chaplaincy combines two of Judy’s greatest passions — Jewish learning and working with people — and she is excited for all that the future holds. After graduation, Judy will continue her work at OPICA, providing spiritual care for people living with dementia. She intends to expand her efforts to offer spiritual care to those living with chronic health issues, in both individual and group settings. Master of Jewish Studies Class of 2020

CHAPLAIN REED A. KOLBER tytkz vnjbu hfsrn ejmh ,hcn vrucs iaua Reed is a hospice chaplain, educator, and bodyworker. They received their Bachelor of Arts with Honors from in Women's and Gender Studies. Reed received high honors for their undergraduate thesis entitled From Margin to Off-Center: Queer Women Rabbis from 1976 to 2008. Reed studied at Pardes in Jerusalem in the Year Fellowship Program and then for two years at the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies. Reed completed four units through chaplaincy residency at St. Mary's Medical Center in Long Beach and has been working in home hospice ever since. Reed became a certified massage therapist through the McKinnon Body Therapy Center, and has studied craniosacral therapy and abdominal massage. They were selected by the Piedmont School of Yoga Social Justice Fellowship to become a certified yoga teacher and to bring yoga and meditation to suicidal teens at McAuley Adolescent Psychiatric lockdown facility. Reed often weaves music into their work, whether in the classroom, at a patient's bedside, or at ritual gatherings. They are a passionate educator with over ten years of experience across Jewish movements, interfaith settings, and through various arenas of study. Reed has had a healing bodywork, spiritual counseling, and life-cycle facilitation private practice for the past seven years. I feel incredibly grateful to my family for their loving support. Thank you to my dear partner Maggie for her encouragement to follow my dreams and reach for the stars. A special thanks to Rabbi Rochelle Robins for her attentive guidance and mentorship. Thank you also to the steadfast generosity of my teachers, Cantor Jonathan Friedmann, Rabbi Mel Gottlieb, and Rabbi Anne Brener. It has been an honor to study at AJRCA and be part of a forward thinking and creative institution. Upon graduation, Reed will continue their work as Community Organizer at The Kitchen in San Francisco, California as well as a home hospice chaplain for National Hospice.

DONNA LYNN SHAPIRO gkgjgbu vjna lkn ,c vtk vrucs Donna Shapiro earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Stanford University in 1986, graduating with Honors and Distinction. She attended Harvard Law School from 1986 to 1987, and earned her Juris Doctorate from Stanford Law School in 1989. Donna began practicing Trusts and Estates law at the firm Rosenfeld, Meyer & Susman in Beverly Hills and, a few years later, took an extended hiatus from the law to be at home to raise her two sons. She resumed her law practice in 2007, and currently works at the firm of Feinberg Mindel Brandt & Klein in West Los Angeles. Donna is an active member of University Synagogue, where she is a Past President of the Congregation. Donna grew up in the synagogue — where her formal Jewish education began. It is there, with the inspiration and encouragement of her teachers, that her passion for Jewish Studies was first sparked. Donna’s love for Jewish Studies only grew over the years, and it ultimately led her to AJRCA. Donna currently serves as the Co-Chair of the Adult Education Committee at University Synagogue. I am profoundly grateful for my dear friends and family, especially my husband, Angel, my parents, Marvin and Natalie Shapiro, and my sons, Benjamin and Robert, who have lovingly cheered me on through every step of this journey. To my teachers and friends at AJRCA — a thousand thanks for making advanced Jewish learning so stimulating and fun. AJRCA is an extraordinary, warm community, and I am blessed to have been a part of it. The Academy’s flexibility and care for each student is what truly made this achievement possible. Donna hopes to work with University Synagogue’s clergy to create adult education programs that will inspire congregants to further explore and grow both their Jewish learning as well as their Jewish identity, just as AJRCA has done for her. Leaders of the Academy

CHAPLAIN MARLENE CANTER Chaplain Marlene Canter graduated from the Academy in 2015. She currently serves as the Chair of the Academy’s Board of Directors. Marlene came to AJRCA after a career in Education. She taught Special Education, co-founded and co-ran an educational training company and served on the Los Angeles Unified School Board for 8 years, 2 years as President of the Board. She now volunteers at griefHaven facilitating grief groups as a grief counselor. Chaplain Canter continues her work in education by being the National Board Chair of the Green Dot Public Schools, a charter school organization, and is also on the Board of City Year Los Angeles.

RABBI MEL GOTTLIEB, PhD Rabbi Mel Gottlieb, PhD serves as President and Interim Dean of the Rabbinical School. He previously served as President (2006–2012) as well as Dean of the Rabbinical and Chaplaincy Schools. During his presidency, he co-founded AJRCA’s groundbreaking collaborative initiative in interreligious studies with Claremont School of Theology and the Islamic Center of Southern California. Rabbi Gottlieb serves as Senior Fellow on the Academic Leadership Team at Claremont Lincoln University and is a member of the Board of Directors. Rabbi Gottlieb was ordained at Yeshiva University. He holds a doctorate in Mythology/Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute where he has served as an Adjunct Faculty member. He has also taught at Columbia, Yeshiva University, and the University of Southern California’s Graduate School of Social Work. His essays have appeared in publications such as the Huffington Post, the national journals Ideas and Sh’ma, and the book Illuminating Letters. He is a frequent guest lecturer at the C.G. Jung Institute of Los Angeles as well as at synagogues of all denominations throughout Southern California. Rabbi Gottlieb is the former Director of Hillel at MIT and Princeton, and was the Rabbi at Kehillat Ma’arav in Santa Monica as well as Westwood Village Synagogue.

RABBI ROCHELLE ROBINS Vice President of the Academy and Dean of the Chaplaincy School, Rabbi Rochelle Robins also serves as the Director of the school’s Clinical Pastoral Education program. She earned her smicha at Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion in 1998. Rabbi Robins previously served as the rabbinic Staff Chaplain at the Hospital of the University of , and the Supervisor of Pastoral Education and Co-coordinator of the Jewish Hospice Program at Samaritan Hospice of Southern New Jersey. She is a Certified Educator of Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE, Inc.). Rabbi Robins was the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Bat Kol, an organization that began as Jerusalem’s first feminist yeshiva, and then expanded its mission to include interfaith coalition-building and health care education in the United States. Whether Rabbi Robins is teaching text, assisting patients and family members, training chaplains, or administering social entrepreneurial projects, healing and wholeness are at the heart of her rabbinate. Leaders of the Academy

CANTOR NATHAN LAM Cantor Nathan Lam is Dean of the Cantorial School, the only cantorial program in the Western United States. He received his commission as Hazzan from the Cantors Assembly and cantorial certifi cation from Hebrew Union College. For 40 years he has been the cantor at Stephen Wise Temple, one of the largest congregations in the world. Cantor Lam is a past international president of the Cantors Assembly and a fellow of the Jewish Theological Seminary (which awarded him an Honorary Doctor of Music). He led an historic and unprecedented mission of 100 Cantors returning to Poland, the birthplace of Cantorial music. “100 Voices: A Journey Home” is the acclaimed documentary of that mission which the Los Angeles Times called “A profound expression of the healing power of music…deeply affecting.” Cantor Lam was the founder and creative force behind this international initiative, in collaboration with the Cantors Assembly Foundation, the Cantors Assembly, the Polish Government, and the Jewish Cultural Festival in Krakow. In 2012 he led a similar mission to Germany and Israel.

CANTOR PERRYNE ANKER Associate Dean of the Cantorial School, Cantor Anker was a student at the Cleveland Institute of Music and mentored by Cantors Saul Meisels and Maurice Goldman. She received her Bachelor of Science degree and the Catherine Tuck Award from The Juilliard School in New York. While in New York, she studied and performed with leading Jewish music composers, cantors, conductors, and music scholars. Cantor Anker also performed extensively in musical theatre in New York. She has served as Cantor at Stephen Wise Temple in Los Angeles, Beth Sholom in Santa Monica, and Temple of the Arts in Los Angeles. In 2014, Cantor Anker was honored by AJRCA, and awarded an honorary smicha by the Cantorial School. She is a leading voice teacher and coach, as well as a member of the American Conference of Cantors.

CANTOR JONATHAN L. FRIEDMANN, PhD Cantor Jonathan L. Friedmann, PhD, is Associate Dean of the Master of Jewish Studies Program, Professor of Jewish Music History, and Director of Institutional Research. He holds an MA in Religious Studies from California State University, Long Beach, a Master’s in Jewish Sacred Music and Cantorial Ordination from AJRCA, and a PhD in Hebrew Bible from the joint program of Greenwich School of Theology (UK) and North West University (NWU), Potchefstroom, South Africa. In addition to his AJRCA duties, Jonathan is an Extraordinary Associate Professor of Theology at NWU, a Research Fellow at NWU in Musical Arts in South Africa: Resources and Applications, President of the Western States Jewish History Association, Director of the Jewish Museum of the American West, and Community Leader and Education Director of Adat Chaverim — Congregation for Humanistic Judaism, Los Angeles. He is the author/editor of 22 books, most recently Jewish Gold Country (2020). The Academy for Jewish Religion California Rabbinical, Cantorial, Chaplaincy and MJS Faculty

In the words of one of our students: “I have no doubt that I am working with a world-class faculty.” The Academy is indeed blessed to have attracted a faculty with impeccable professional reputations, remarkable intellectual breadth, and outstanding qualifications. They include renowned scholars who have taught at such prestigious institutions as Columbia, MIT, Stanford, Georgetown, UC Berkeley, Princeton, UCLA, UCLA Medical School, USC, Loyola Marymount, Ohio State, American Jewish University, Notre Dame, Hebrew Union College, Yeshiva University, Claremont, and Hebrew University; as well as exceptional congregational clergy affiliated with some of the most prominent Orthodox, Conservative, Reconstructionist, Reform, and Renewal synagogues in the Los Angeles area.

Cantor Perryne Anker Vered Hopenstand

Judy Aronson Tamar Kamionkowski, PhD

Yolande Bloomstein, PhD Cantor Nathan Lam

Rabbi Daniel Bouskila Aviva Levin

Rabbi Anne Brener Robert Levy, PhD

Rabbi Daniel Chorny Rabbi Stan Levy, JD

Rabbi Mark Diamond Rabbi Michael Menitoff, PhD

Marc Dollinger, PhD Rabbi Haim Ovadia

Rabbi Mordecai Finley, PhD Cantor Samuel B. Radwine

Cantor Jay Frailich Rabbi/Cantor Eva Robbins

Tamar Frankiel, PhD Rabbi Stephen Robbins, PsyD

Cantor Jonathan Friedmann, PhD Rabbi Rochelle Robins

Joel Gereboff, PhD Rabbi Elijah Schochet, PhD

Cantor Joseph Gole Rabbi Aharon Serr

Rabbi Mel Gottlieb, PhD Rabbi Tal Sessler, PhD

Rabbi Avraham Greenstein Saba Soomekh, PhD

Cantor Don Gurney Cantor/Rabbi Arik Wollheim

Rabbi Yehuda Hausman Ahoova Zeffren

Rabbi Avraham Havivi, MD Jacob Zighelboim, MD President & Interim Dean, Coordinator of Registration & Operations BOARD OF DIRECTORS Rabbinic School Elea Friedman Chaplain Marlene Canter, Chair Rabbi Mel Gottlieb, PhD Rabbi Bruce Skolnick, MD, PhD, Vice-Chair Director of Internships & Placement Vice-President & Rabbi Faith Tessler Benjamin Bonavida, PhD Dean, Chaplaincy School Sara L. Cannon Rabbi Rochelle Robins Controller Susan Casamassima Graciela Makow Gregory Chazanas Dean, Cantorial School Rabbi Mark Diamond Cantor Nathan Lam Technical Support Rabbi Igael Gurin-Malous Eva Bilick Charles Hamrell, MD Associate Dean, Cantorial School Rabbi Stan Levy, JD Cantor Perryne Anker Julie G. Madorsky, MD Alvin Martin, CPA, PhD Associate Dean, Master of Jewish Studies Rabbi Yocheved Mintz Program & Director of Institutional Research Cantor Jonathan Friedmann, PhD Rabbi Laura Owens Rabbi Stephen M. Robbins, PsyD Chief Financial Offi cer Chaplain Deborah Schmidt, JD Alvin Martin, CPA, PhD Shoshi Wilchfort

Director of Administration & Board Emeritus Financial Aid Offi cer Jacob Zighelboim, MD Lauren Shandling Goldner AJRCA Co-Founders Director of Admissions & Recruitment Rabbi Mordecai Finley, PhD Robin Federman Rabbi Stan Levy, JD Rabbi Stephen M. Robbins, PsyD

FOUNDING ACADEMY COUNCIL Jeffrey I. Abrams, JD Gil Graff, PhD Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, DHL, z”l Cantor Roslyn J. Barak Noreen Green, DMA Rabbi Arthur Gross-Schaefer, JD, CPA Michael Berenbaum, PhD Rabbi Judith Halevy Frederic C. Schultz, JD Cantor Ira Bigeleisen Cantor Peter Halpern Rabbi Allen Secher Rabbi Lynn Brody Slome Rabbi Burt Jacobson Rabbi Natan Segal Rabbi Wayne Dosick, PhD Rabbi Shoni Labowitz, z”l Rabbi Jack Shechter, PhD Rabbi Ted Falcon, PhD Iris Levin, PhD Amy Hill Shevitz, PhD Rabbi Ed Feinstein Rabbi Naomi Levy Rabbi Daniel Siegel Cantor Meir Finkelstein Rabbi Alan Lew, z”l Cantor Lance Tapper Cantor Herschel Fox Rabbi Allen Maller Savina J. Teubal, PhD, z”l Cantor Chayim Frenkel Rabbi Levi Meier, PhD, z”l Rabbi Shohama Wiener, DMin Debbie Friedman, z”l Rabbi Debra Orenstein Rabbi Isaiah Zeldin, z”l Maurice Friedman, PhD, z”l Cantor Alisa Pomerantz-Boro Rabbi David Zeller, z”l Selwyn Gerber, CPA Rabbi Marcia Prager Rabbi Edward Zerin, PhD Cantor Binyamin Glickman Rabbi Jack Riemer Rabbi Shefa Gold Rabbi Jeffrey Roth Major Donors AJRCA greatly acknowledges our donors whose generosity and commitment have helped the Academy grow from “strength to strength” since our inception. May you take pride in knowing that your support is making a difference in the Jewish community nationwide. Please note that in each category the donors are listed in alphabetical order.

ANGELS Jeffrey I. Abrams, JD & Michele Breslauer, JD, Jewish Community Foundation Righteous Persons Foundation Breslauer Foundation/Soref Foundation Herbert Kameon Charitable Lead Trust Lance Robbins, JD The Lynn and Les Bider Family Foundation Rabbi Stan Levy, JD & Lynda Levy Ansel Slome, JD & Rabbi Lynn Brody Slome Chaplain Marlene Canter Alvin Martin, PhD & Chaplain Muriel Dance, PhD Cantor Nathan Lam, Handy, and Weiss families Neal Castleman & Ellen Hoffman Castleman Rabbi Yocheved Mintz, in memory of Rabbi Barbara Zacky Peter W. Doerken & Candis Duke Dr. Alan P. Mintz, z"l Jacob Zighelboim, MD & Vivien Zighelboim, PhD Rabbi Mel Gottlieb, PhD & Annette Gottlieb, MD PATRONS Jack Bender & Rabbi Laura Owens Robert & Sara Cannon Stanton L. (Larry) Stein & Jackie Stein Michael M. Berger, JD & Rabbi Janet Madden Rabbi/Cantor Judith Greenfeld Howard Toff, MD & Cheryl Toff Leon Biederman, PhD & Aviva Biederman, MD Ralph Mannheimer, z"l & Batya Malick Barry Wolfe Arthur Bilger, JD & Dahlia Bilger Ken & Wendy Ruby Franklin R. Wurtzel, JD, z"l & Karen Wurtzel Benjamin Bonavida, PhD & Ofra Bonavida Frederic C. Schultz, JD BENEFACTORS Earl & Elly Appel Rabbi Arthur Levine, PhD, JD & Barbara Levine The Hon. Robert Schnider (ret.) & Mark & Deborah Attanasio for Judith Ann Glick, z"l, Memorial Cantor Perryne Anker Gregory & Gaby Chazanas Scholarship Fund Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Lloyd & Margit Cotsen Julie G. Madorsky, MD Rabbi Bruce Skolnick, MD, PhD Rabbi Mordecai Finley, PhD & Meirav Finley Sid & Carole Meltzner Naomi Vanek Richard & Shari Foos Milken Family Foundation Bruce Whizin Selwyn & Glynis Gerber Jerry & Anne Moss Izydor & Shoshi Wilchfort Charles Hamrell, MD & Rabbi Miriam Hamrell Sarah's Tent for the establishment of the Savina Teubal, z"l Chair in Jewish Women's Studies Luis Lainer, JD & Lee Lainer PARTNERS Dr. David & Sara Aftergood Arnold Gilberg, MD, PhD Sidney & Phyllis Reisman Angell Foundation Gold Living Trust (Stanley Gold) Roger Richman, JD, z"l & Diane Richman Kerry Assil, MD GUESS? Foundation Rabbi Stephen & Rabbi/Cantor Eva Robbins Cantors Benefi t Concert Scholarships Michael & Cantor Lorna Lembeck Alan, z"l & Dee Robin (for Cantorial Students) Jebb Levy, z"l (The Hyman Jebb Levy Foundation) David & Arva Rose Susan Casamassima The Ernest Lieblich Foundation Bernie & Hanna Rubinstein (Samuel J. & Thelma Sills Foundation) Byrdie Lifson-Pompan, for Robert (Bob) Lifson, z"l, Dr. Scholl Foundation Chai Minded Memorial Scholarship Fund Rabbis Larry & Linda Seidman Gabriel Danovitch, MD & Nava Danovitch Joseph, z"l & Esther Lumer Adrian Shandling, MD & Debi Kornswiet Shandling Alvin, z"l & Barbara Dischler Mount Sinai Parks & Mortuaries Peggi Sturm Hershel Frankiel, PhD & Tamar Frankiel, PhD (for Chaplaincy Programing) Sun City Jewish Services Cantor Jonathan, PhD & Elvia Friedmann Joe Patterson & Cantor Lori Reisman Patterson Leonard M. Wechsler Karen Gibson Sidney & Ruth Pilot FRIENDS AJRCA Clergy & Alumni Association Rosette Delug Robert Margolis Robert & Jennifer Anker Irwin Field Mattel Children's Foundation Baran Family Endowment Fund Robert Figlin, MD & Karen Reckamp, MD Rabbi Janice Mehring Lon & Heidi Bender Harvey & Norma Greenberg George Pao Jeff Berg & Dennie Luria Steven & Susan Gryczman Mehron & Angelle Ravai Rabbi Lisa Bock Roger Ehrlich & Janis Feldman Horn Rabbi Rochelle Robins Rabbi Mark Borovitz & Harriet Rossetto Jewish Federation Council Gilbert & Joanne Segel Community Shul of Montecito and Mary Wolf Leibman Jerry Sherman, MD & Nancy Sherman Santa Barbara Rabbi Beth Lieberman Albert Sweet & Janie Sweet Robert & Cheryl Cook Ronald, z"l & Shirley Loeb Scott & Rabbi Faith Tessler Together We Can Make a Difference

AJRCA trains compassionate, intelligent, spiritual Jewish leaders, fully prepared for 21st century Judaism.

Our alumni are uniquely qualified to serve in a post-denominational world. The spiritually-based training our students receive in classical Jewish texts, pastoral skills, and leadership across the denominational spectrum enable them to elevate life by blurring the old-world distinctions which divide us.

Our graduates: • Serve new congregations and revive older ones • Give comfort and support to the elderly and ill in a variety of settings • Provide education and spiritual counseling to prison populations • Engage in important social action projects that contribute to the welfare of all • Create new music and liturgy while inspiring love and appreciation for the traditional • Help the Jewish people to grow and thrive

Across the denominations, across the miles, AJRCA alumni influence the Jewish world and inspire the communities they touch.

According to the American Council on Education and the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, TUITION ALONE NEVER COMPLETELY COVERS THE COST OF AN EDUCATION AT ANY LEVEL. Help the Academy for Jewish Religion California grow and thrive.

We cannot do it alone. We need your support.

Donate today to the Academy for Jewish Religion California. Together, we can continue the crucial work of educating rabbis, cantors, chaplains, and Jewish leaders who will serve Judaism in the 21st century.

Please visit ajrca.edu/donate Transforming the Jewish World

574 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90024 www.ajrca.edu • 213-884-4133 • [email protected] facebook.com/ajrca