AJRCA 2020 Program

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 rabbis,
cantors, chaplains, and community leaders who will transform Jewish communities into places of wholeness and wellbeing.
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, Talmud, 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
Conservative
B'nai Shalom, Vista, CA
Congregation Agudas Achim, Austin, TX
Congregation Beth Shalom, Corona, CA
Congregation B'nai Israel, Tustin, CA
Congregation Ner Tamid of South Bay,
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Fort Belvoir Congregation, Ft. Belvoir, VA
Sinai Temple, Los Angeles, CA
Temple Beth Sholom, Temecula, CA
Temple Ner Tamid, San Francisco, CA
Temple Ramat Zion, Northridge, CA
Temple Sholom, Greenwich, CT
Valley Beth Israel, Sun Valley, CA
Valley Beth Shalom, Encino, CA
Conservative/Reform
Congregation Beth Shalom, Sioux City, IA
Congregation Kol Ami, Salt Lake City, UT
Temple Shalom, Colorado Springs, CO
Humanistic
Adat Chaverim, Encino, CA
Reconstructionist / Renewal
Congregation P'nai Tikvah, Las Vegas, NV
Makom Ohr Shalom, Encino, CA
Wholly Present, A Center for Embodied
Spirituality, El Sobrante, CA
Reform
Beth Emet, Evanston, IL
Beit Knesset BaMidbar, Las Vegas, NV
Congregation Beth Israel, Scottsdale, AZ
Congregation Beth Israel, West Hartford, CT
Congregation B'nai Tikvah, Walnut Creek, CA
Congregation Emanu-El, San Francisco, CA
Congregation Emeth, Morgan Hill, CA
Congregation Ner Tamid, Henderson, NV
Congregation Ohr Tzafon, Atascadero, CA
Jewish Communities of the Desert,
Desert Hot Springs, CA
Temple Ahavat Shalom, Northridge, CA
Temple Akiba, Culver City, CA
Temple Beth David, Temple City, CA
Temple Beth El, Aptos, CA
Temple Beth Hillel, Richmond, CA
Temple Beth Israel, Pomona, CA
Temple Beth Tikvah, Wayne, NJ
Temple B'rith Shalom, Prescott, AZ
Temple Emanuel, Beverly Hills, CA
Temple Emanuel, Pueblo, CO
Wilshire Boulevard Temple, Los Angeles, CA
PULPITS continued
Trans/Postdenominational/
Unaffiliated/Other
Ahavat Torah Congregation, Los Angeles, CA
Beth Israel Congregation, Greeley, CO
Congregation Bet Shalom, Tuscon, AZ
Congregation Beth Jacob, Redwood City, CA
Congregation B'nai Horin, Los Angeles, CA
Congregation B'nai Or, St. Croix, U.S.V.I
Congregation Kehillah of Arizona,
Scottsdale, AZ
Congregation Shir Chadash, Lakewood, CA
Congregation Shir Shalom, Sonoma, CA
Congregation N'vay Shalom, Los Angeles, CA
Desert Outreach Synagogue,
Rancho Mirage, CA
Fountainview at Gonda, Los Angeles, CA
Jewish Community & Learning Center,
Sunland, CA
Jewish Community of Ojai, Ojai, CA
Jewish Community of Sedona & Verde Valley,
Sedona, AZ
Lev Chadash, Chino Valley, AZ
Nachshon Minyan, Encino, CA
Nefesh, Los Angeles, CA
Oahu Jewish Ohana, Honolulu, HI
Open Temple, Venice, CA
Temple Beth El, Santa Maria, CA
Temple Beth Or, Reno, NV
Temple Ner Simcha, Agoura Hills, CA
Valley Outreach Synagogue, Calabasas, CA
Zimrat Yah, Santa Barbara, CA
JEWISH EDUCATION
Beit Kulam, Sherwood Forest, CA
Congregation Tikvat Jacob,
Manhattan Beach, CA
Jewish Community Center, San Francisco, CA
Jewish Community High School of the Bay,
San Francisco, CA
Jewish Day School of Metro. Seattle,
Bellevue, WA
Melton School of Adult Learning,
Los Angeles, CA
Ohr Echad/HomeShul, Agoura Hills, CA
Shalom Hartman Institute, L.A., CA
Sinai Akiba Academy, L.A., CA
Tarbut v'Torah, Irvine, CA
Temple Menorah, Redondo Beach, CA
JEWISH COMMUNAL LEADERSHIP
California Lutheran Univ., Thousand Oaks, CA
Community Rabbis, Los Angeles, CA
Sandra Caplan Beit Din, Culver City, CA
Shutafim, New Mexico Jewish Connections,
Albuquerque, NM
CHAPLAINCY/SPIRITUAL CARE
Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA
Beit T'shuvah, Los Angeles, CA
Buena Vista Hospice, Thousand Oaks, CA
California Dept. of Corrections, San Quentin, CA
Cedars Sinai Med. Ctr., Los Angeles, CA
Children's Hospital, Los Angeles, CA
Covia, Oakland, CA
Denver Hospice, Denver, CO
Greater Miami Jewish Federation, Miami, FL
Jewish Federation & Family Services of O.C.,
Irvine, CA
Jewish Healing Center of L.A., Los Angeles, CA
Jewish Home for the Aging, Los Angeles, CA
L.A. Community Chaplaincy Services, L.A., CA
Motion Picture & Television Fund,
Woodland Hills, CA
Madrona Hospice & Palliative Care,
Scottsdale, AZ
Meridian Assisted Living, Cheviot Hills, CA
Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center,
Pasadena, CA
P.E.C. Hospice, Garden Grove, CA
Providence St. John's Med. Ctr.,
Santa Monica, CA
Providence St. Joseph Med. Ctr., Burbank, CA
Providence Tarzana Med. Ctr., Tarzana, CA
Seasons Hospice, Broward County, FL
Skirball Hospice, Encino, CA
St. Paul's Towers, Oakland, CA
The Sparta Project, Valencia, CA
Valley Outreach Synagogue, Calabasas, CA
Walter Reed Nat'l. Military Medical Center,
Bethesda, MD
ACADEMIA
Academy for Jewish Religion, Los Angeles, CA
Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
L.A. Valley College, L.A., CA
University of Arizona, College of Medicine
Yavapai Community College, Prescott, AZ
OTHER
Camp JCA Shalom, Malibu, 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 Rabbi“ – 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 Chicago-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, New York, 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, nondenominational
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 hearingimpaired
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 New York City.
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 Brandeis University 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
Pennsylvania, 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 certification 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
Judy Aronson
Yolande Bloomstein, PhD
Rabbi Daniel Bouskila
Rabbi Anne Brener
Rabbi Daniel Chorny
Rabbi Mark Diamond
Marc Dollinger, PhD
Rabbi Mordecai Finley, PhD
Cantor Jay Frailich
Tamar Frankiel, PhD
Cantor Jonathan Friedmann, PhD
Joel Gereboff, PhD
Cantor Joseph Gole
Rabbi Mel Gottlieb, PhD
Rabbi Avraham Greenstein
Cantor Don Gurney
Rabbi Yehuda Hausman
Rabbi Avraham Havivi, MD
Vered Hopenstand
Tamar Kamionkowski, PhD
Cantor Nathan Lam
Aviva Levin
Robert Levy, PhD
Rabbi Stan Levy, JD
Rabbi Michael Menitoff, PhD
Rabbi Haim Ovadia
Cantor Samuel B. Radwine
Rabbi/Cantor Eva Robbins
Rabbi Stephen Robbins, PsyD
Rabbi Rochelle Robins
Rabbi Elijah Schochet, PhD
Rabbi Aharon Serr
Rabbi Tal Sessler, PhD
Saba Soomekh, PhD
Cantor/Rabbi Arik Wollheim
Ahoova Zeffren
Jacob Zighelboim, MD

President & Interim Dean,
Rabbinic School
Rabbi Mel Gottlieb, PhD
Vice-President &
Dean, Chaplaincy School
Rabbi Rochelle Robins
Dean, Cantorial School
Cantor Nathan Lam
Associate Dean, Cantorial School
Cantor Perryne Anker
Associate Dean, Master of Jewish Studies
Program & Director of Institutional Research
Cantor Jonathan Friedmann, PhD
Chief Financial Officer
Alvin Martin, CPA, PhD
Director of Administration &
Financial Aid Officer
Lauren Shandling Goldner
Director of Admissions & Recruitment
Robin Federman
Coordinator of Registration & Operations
Elea Friedman
Director of Internships & Placement
Rabbi Faith Tessler
Controller
Graciela Makow
Technical Support
Eva Bilick
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chaplain Marlene Canter, Chair
Rabbi Bruce Skolnick, MD, PhD, Vice-Chair
Benjamin Bonavida, PhD
Sara L. Cannon
Susan Casamassima
Gregory Chazanas
Rabbi Mark Diamond
Rabbi Igael Gurin-Malous
Charles Hamrell, MD
Rabbi Stan Levy, JD
Julie G. Madorsky, MD
Alvin Martin, CPA, PhD
Rabbi Yocheved Mintz
Rabbi Laura Owens
Rabbi Stephen M. Robbins, PsyD
Chaplain Deborah Schmidt, JD
Shoshi Wilchfort
Board Emeritus
Jacob Zighelboim, MD
AJRCA Co-Founders
Rabbi Mordecai Finley, PhD
Rabbi Stan Levy, JD
Rabbi Stephen M. Robbins, PsyD
FOUNDING ACADEMY COUNCIL
Jeffrey I. Abrams, JD
Cantor Roslyn J. Barak
Michael Berenbaum, PhD
Cantor Ira Bigeleisen
Rabbi Lynn Brody Slome
Rabbi Wayne Dosick, PhD
Rabbi Ted Falcon, PhD
Rabbi Ed Feinstein
Cantor Meir Finkelstein
Cantor Herschel Fox
Cantor Chayim Frenkel
Debbie Friedman, z”l
Maurice Friedman, PhD, z”l
Selwyn Gerber, CPA
Cantor Binyamin Glickman
Rabbi Shefa Gold
Gil Graff, PhD
Noreen Green, DMA
Rabbi Judith Halevy
Cantor Peter Halpern
Rabbi Burt Jacobson
Rabbi Shoni Labowitz, z”l
Iris Levin, PhD
Rabbi Naomi Levy
Rabbi Alan Lew, z”l
Rabbi Allen Maller
Rabbi Levi Meier, PhD, z”l
Rabbi Debra Orenstein
Cantor Alisa Pomerantz-Boro
Rabbi Marcia Prager
Rabbi Jack Riemer
Rabbi Jeffrey Roth
Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, DHL, z”l
Rabbi Arthur Gross-Schaefer, JD, CPA
Frederic C. Schultz, JD
Rabbi Allen Secher
Rabbi Natan Segal
Rabbi Jack Shechter, PhD
Amy Hill Shevitz, PhD
Rabbi Daniel Siegel
Cantor Lance Tapper
Savina J. Teubal, PhD, z”l
Rabbi Shohama Wiener, DMin
Rabbi Isaiah Zeldin, z”l
Rabbi David Zeller, z”l
Rabbi Edward Zerin, PhD

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,
Breslauer Foundation/Soref Foundation
The Lynn and Les Bider Family Foundation
Chaplain Marlene Canter
Neal Castleman & Ellen Hoffman Castleman
Peter W. Doerken & Candis Duke
Rabbi Mel Gottlieb, PhD & Annette Gottlieb, MD
PATRONS
Jack Bender & Rabbi Laura Owens
Michael M. Berger, JD & Rabbi Janet Madden
Leon Biederman, PhD & Aviva Biederman, MD
Arthur Bilger, JD & Dahlia Bilger
Benjamin Bonavida, PhD & Ofra Bonavida
BENEFACTORS
Earl & Elly Appel
Mark & Deborah Attanasio
Gregory & Gaby Chazanas
Lloyd & Margit Cotsen
Rabbi Mordecai Finley, PhD & Meirav Finley
Richard & Shari Foos
Selwyn & Glynis Gerber
Charles Hamrell, MD & Rabbi Miriam Hamrell
Luis Lainer, JD & Lee Lainer
PARTNERS
Dr. David & Sara Aftergood
Angell Foundation
Kerry Assil, MD
Cantors Benefit Concert Scholarships
(for Cantorial Students)
Susan Casamassima
(Samuel J. & Thelma Sills Foundation)
Chai Minded
Gabriel Danovitch, MD & Nava Danovitch
Alvin, z"l & Barbara Dischler
Hershel Frankiel, PhD & Tamar Frankiel, PhD
Cantor Jonathan, PhD & Elvia Friedmann
Karen Gibson
FRIENDS
AJRCA Clergy & Alumni Association
Robert & Jennifer Anker
Baran Family Endowment Fund
Lon & Heidi Bender
Jeff Berg & Dennie Luria
Rabbi Lisa Bock
Rabbi Mark Borovitz & Harriet Rossetto
Community Shul of Montecito and
Santa Barbara
Robert & Cheryl Cook
Jewish Community Foundation
Herbert Kameon Charitable Lead Trust
Rabbi Stan Levy, JD & Lynda Levy
Alvin Martin, PhD & Chaplain Muriel Dance, PhD
Rabbi Yocheved Mintz, in memory of
Dr. Alan P. Mintz, z"l
Robert & Sara Cannon
Rabbi/Cantor Judith Greenfeld
Ralph Mannheimer, z"l & Batya Malick
Ken & Wendy Ruby
Frederic C. Schultz, JD
Rabbi Arthur Levine, PhD, JD & Barbara Levine
for Judith Ann Glick, z"l, Memorial
Scholarship Fund
Julie G. Madorsky, MD
Sid & Carole Meltzner
Milken Family Foundation
Jerry & Anne Moss
Sarah's Tent for the establishment of the Savina
Teubal, z"l Chair in Jewish Women's Studies
Arnold Gilberg, MD, PhD
Gold Living Trust (Stanley Gold)
GUESS? Foundation
Michael & Cantor Lorna Lembeck
Jebb Levy, z"l (The Hyman Jebb Levy Foundation)
The Ernest Lieblich Foundation
Byrdie Lifson-Pompan, for Robert (Bob) Lifson, z"l,
Memorial Scholarship Fund
Joseph, z"l & Esther Lumer
Mount Sinai Parks & Mortuaries
(for Chaplaincy Programing)
Joe Patterson & Cantor Lori Reisman Patterson
Sidney & Ruth Pilot
Rosette Delug
Irwin Field
Robert Figlin, MD & Karen Reckamp, MD
Harvey & Norma Greenberg
Steven & Susan Gryczman
Roger Ehrlich & Janis Feldman Horn
Jewish Federation Council
Mary Wolf Leibman
Rabbi Beth Lieberman
Ronald, z"l & Shirley Loeb
Righteous Persons Foundation
Lance Robbins, JD
Ansel Slome, JD & Rabbi Lynn Brody Slome
Cantor Nathan Lam, Handy, and Weiss families
Rabbi Barbara Zacky
Jacob Zighelboim, MD & Vivien Zighelboim, PhD
Stanton L. (Larry) Stein & Jackie Stein
Howard Toff, MD & Cheryl Toff
Barry Wolfe
Franklin R. Wurtzel, JD, z"l & Karen Wurtzel
The Hon. Robert Schnider (ret.) &
Cantor Perryne Anker
Sidney Stern Memorial Trust
Rabbi Bruce Skolnick, MD, PhD
Naomi Vanek
Bruce Whizin
Izydor & Shoshi Wilchfort
Sidney & Phyllis Reisman
Roger Richman, JD, z"l & Diane Richman
Rabbi Stephen & Rabbi/Cantor Eva Robbins
Alan, z"l & Dee Robin
David & Arva Rose
Bernie & Hanna Rubinstein
Dr. Scholl Foundation
Rabbis Larry & Linda Seidman
Adrian Shandling, MD & Debi Kornswiet Shandling
Peggi Sturm
Sun City Jewish Services
Leonard M. Wechsler
Robert Margolis
Mattel Children's Foundation
Rabbi Janice Mehring
George Pao
Mehron & Angelle Ravai
Rabbi Rochelle Robins
Gilbert & Joanne Segel
Jerry Sherman, MD & Nancy Sherman
Albert Sweet & Janie Sweet
Scott & Rabbi Faith Tessler

Together We Can Make a Difference
AJRCA trains compassionate, intelligent, spiritual Jewish leaders, fully prepared for 21 st 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 21 st century.
Please visit ajrca.edu/donate

Transforming the Jewish World
574 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90024
www.ajrca.edu • 213-884-4133 • info@ajrca.edu
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