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Alumni Association
Providing collegial support between the graduates of the rabbinical,
cantorial, and chaplaincy schools of the Academy for Jewish Religion,
California, the AJR/CA Alumni Association also strives to provide
an enriching lifelong connection between alumni and the Academy and
to further the excellence of the Academy by fostering an enduring
and mutually beneficial relationship.
Current members of the Alumni Association include:
 Rabbi Michael Barclay
Ordained in 2007, Rabbi Michael Barclay serves as a Rabbi for
the Loyola Marymount University (LMU) Campus Ministries as well as teaches
in LMU's
Department of Theological Studies. He also works with top executives and athletes
as a "spiritual" peak performance coach/consultant and has conducted lifecycle
events internationally. Rabbi Barclay can be reached at mbarclay@lmu.edu.
 Cantor Phillip Baron
Receiving his ordination in 2005, Cantor Phillip Baron now serves as the Hazzan
Sheini of Valley Beth Shalom (VBS) (www.vbs.org),
in Encino, CA. Affiliated with the Conservative movement, the synagogue has
a membership of over 1700 families. Among his responsibilities at VBS, Cantor
Baron conducts ShabbasFest, a monthly service featuring the VBS choir, the
Chris Hardin Band, as well as guest artists; Minyan B'yachad, a monthly
morning minyan; as well as a monthly family Shabbat service. He is also the
primary tutor for the synagogue's Bar/Bat Mitzvah Program, personally
tutoring approximately 50 children annually. Cantor Baron has established
the VBS Children's Choir and he is also teaching cantillation and tefillot in the VBS Day School. Cantor Baron can be reached at pbaron@vbs.org.
My experience at AJR, CA: "The Academy gave
me all the tools I needed to step into a challenging
position. I think about my teachers every day and the
invaluable "gifts" that they gave me."
 Chaplain Ruth Belonsky
Chaplain Ruth Belonsky received her certificate
in Jewish Chaplaincy and Masters in Jewish Studies in 2006, and is now continuing
her training in the Clinical Pastoral Education Program at Little Company
of Mary Hospital (part of the Providence Health System) in Torrance, CA.
In addition to the educational "classroom" component
of the program, Chaplain Belonsky serves as a Jewish Chaplain at the hospital.
She tries to bring an open heart and spiritual presence to each patient and
family member that she works with, recognizing that all have specific needs
unique to them. Chaplain Belonsky can be reached at ruthbelonsky@gmail.com.
My
experience at AJR, CA: "The Academy is a wonderful, intense place
of study and sacredness. You don't check your soul at the door.
Rather, the window to your soul is opened as you become more aware
of your spiritual path. I experienced the study of Judaism in a way that
I never thought possible. Along with the challenges of discovery
came the "highs" of spiritual upliftment. My teachers and fellow
students inspired me to want to carry this out into the Jewish community
and beyond."
 Rabbi Julia Watts Belser, PhD
Rabbi Julia Watts Belser was ordained in 2007 and received her PhD in Jewish Studies in 2008 from the Joint Doctoral Program at the University of California, Berkeley and the Graduate Theological Union. She is an Assistant Professor of Judaism in the Religious Studies department at Missouri State University in Springfield, MO where she is teaching both undergraduate and graduate level courses. Rabbi Watts Belser can be reached at: juliawattsbelser@berkeley.edu.
My AJR, CA experience: My AJR, CA experience was an incredible opportunity to study with rabbis, teachers and scholars from across the vibrant spectrum of Jewish life.
Rabbi Elisheva Beyer
Rabbi Elisheva Beyer, RN, JD was ordained in 2006 and is the Chair of Health Care Ethics at the University of Nevada, Reno which is housed in the Nevada Center for Ethics & Health Care Policy (www.unr.edu/ncehp). NCEHP focuses on some of the most important issues in bioethics. In addition to her work at the University of Nevada, Rabbi Beyer also serves as the founding Rabbi of Temple Beth Or in Reno, NV as well as the spiritual leader of the Jewish Community of Elko County (JCEC), a Conservative congregation in Elko, NV. Rabbi Beyer can be reached at redsunrize@yahoo.com.
My experience at AJR, CA: "It was my honor and privilege to attend
the Academy. The depth of learning and transdenominational setting gave me
the ability to create a "tapestry;" bringing threads from
traditional Orthodox halacha to weave together with progressive Jewish
Renewal thought, in order for me to convey the beauty of our ancient
Jewish lineage."
 Rabbi Janet Bieber
Ordained in 2005, Rabbi Janet Bieber serves as the Director of
Education at Burbank Temple Emanu El, a Conservative synagogue
in Burbank, CA. As part of her responsibilities, Rabbi Bieber
designs the curriculum and chooses the texts for the K-8th Grade
Religious School. A long-time Jewish educator and spiritual counselor,
she also performs numerous life cycle celebrations and commemorations
for members of the Los Angeles Jewish community. Her specific
focus is working with the unaffiliated as well as interfaith
couples and families. Rabbi Bieber can be reached at Jbieber1155@aol.com.
My experience at AJR, CA: "The Academy was
just what I needed and wanted. The classes encouraged
personal expression; everyone was invited to bring their
entire soul to the subject at hand. The strength of the
school was also reflected in the caliber of the teachers.
I had so many superlative experiences that I can't
even list them all."
 Rabbi Bennett Blum, MD
Ordained in 2007, Rabbi and Doctor Bennett Blum has continued his medical forensic
practice and, in addition, has created The Caring Clergy Resource Association
which is dedicated to addressing the psychological and spiritual needs of family
caregivers. Rabbi and Doctor Blum can be reached at BennettBlum@aol.com.
My experience at AJR, CA: "I traveled from Tucson,
Arizona to Los Angeles nearly every week for more than
5 years in order to attend AJR, CA. The commute was annoying,
expensive, and tiring. The only thing that made it worthwhile
was the quality of the people at AJR, CA. My fellow students
were, without exception, intelligent, talented people
of substance who brought a lifetime of experiences and
burning desire to learn. They were not looking for a
job, but rather a profession. A profession built around
an intellectually sophisticated and emotionally palpable
connection with God and the Jewish people. Their dedication
to this quest changed the behavior of the instructors.
It brought them alive in a way that is rarely seen in
most schools. They were excited because the students
were excited – and vice versa.
The chance to study, learn, and grow in such an environment
never comes to most people. I am grateful to AJR, CA for
that experience and will always treasure those memories."
 Rabbi Rob Bonem
Ordained in 2008, Rabbi Rob Bonem is continuing his studies, his teaching and
conducting life cycle events for unaffiliated Jews, as well as developing his
thesis, "Steps Towards Dance as Jewish Spiritual Practice" for publication.
Rabbi Bonem can be reached at rbonemajr@hotmail.com.
My experience at AJR, CA: "I loved AJR, CA's diversity of faculty
and staff, its spiritual focus, and the open environment which allows
one to ask and explore the deepest questions."
 Rabbi Lynn Brody
Ordained in 2005, Rabbi Lynn Brody is the Director of Rabbinic
and Chaplaincy Internships at AJR, CA. She is Co-President
of MAJR, the Professional Rabbinical Association of AJR,
CA’s ordinees.
She served as Spiritual Leader for Sun City Jewish Congregation
in Palm Desert, as Associate Rabbi at Temple of the Arts
in Beverly Hills, and as President of the Center for Jewish
Culture and Creativity, an international non-profit educational
organization dedicated to further promoting Jewish Arts and
Artists through sponsorship, training, mentoring, and performance (http://www.jewishcreativity.org).
Rabbi Lynn enjoys providing unique and meaningful life-cycle
events for unaffiliated Jews including weddings, B’nei Mitzvah,
funerals and baby namings. She serves as an active board
member of SHARE (http://www.share4children.org),
a non-profit organization, which funds facilities for developmentally
and physically disabled, abused, and at-risk children. SHARE
has raised close to $50 million since its inception 55 years
ago. She is a member of the National Association of Jewish
Chaplains, a Life Member of Hadassah, and the only rabbi
in the Professional Dancers Society. She is currently writing a book
on the first 40 years of women in the Rabbinate. Rabbi Lynn can be reached
at rabbilynn@usa.net.
My experience at AJR, CA: "The Academy came along at a
time in my life when I felt my dream would never come true. The warm,
nurturing environment, the stellar faculty and the allowances
for disparate backgrounds, beliefs and practices is completely
unique and affords an opportunity for everyone to feel they're
doing it right and don't have to fit into a ‘cookie cutter.' This
is K'lal Yisroal in action."
 Cantor Paul Buch
Ordained in 2005, Cantor Paul Buch now serves as Cantor of Temple Beth Israel
(www.tbipomona.org),
a Union for Reform Judaism-affiliated synagogue in Pomona, CA, a 400+ family
community were he served part-time for two years during his Academy studies. Now celebrating its
75th year serving the Jewish community of the Pomona Valley and Inland Empire,
Cantor Buch is TBI's first full-time clergy person other than the Rabbi in the
synagogue's history. Besides serving on the bimah and participating in
life-cycle events, Cantor Buch also supervises all B'nei Mitzvah training and
teaches regularly in the Beit Sefer.
He also oversees the synagogue's choir and teaches in the Life Long Learning
program, while also drawing on his 25-year career in television and film
production to aid in planning and producing Temple events throughout
the year. In addition to his synagogue responsibilities, Cantor Buch
is an active member of the Claremont, CA Interfaith Council. He can be
reached at cantor@tbipomona.org.
My experience at AJR, CA: "The highlight of my experience
at the Academy was the range and depth of not only the teachers but
the texts and resources that we studied together; nearly all of which
have been directly applicable to the work that I do in my congregation.
Certainly my congregants appreciate my contribution as a Jewish musician
but even more they've come to utilize me as a general source
for Jewish knowledge and most of what I pass on to them, I was exposed
to through my studies at the Academy."
 Rabbi Tsvi Bar David, PhD
Ordained in 2008, Rabbi Tsvi Bar David has served as
interim Rabbi of Cong. Ner Shalom, a Reconstructionist synagogue in Cotati, CA as well as substituted at Congregation Beth Ami, a Conservative congregation in Santa Rosa, CA while their rabbi, George Schlesinger has been on sabbatical. Tsvi plans to grow his practice in spiritual counseling and continue to engage in Jewish community building in Northern California. Rabbi Bar David can be reached at tsvi@bardavid.net.
My experience at AJR, CA: "AJR, CA has a wonderful balance of the spiritual and the academic. In addition, my personal experience was
greatly enhanced by the quality of both the teachers and the students and the general atmosphere of friendliness and collegiality."
 Rabbi Diane Elliot
A 2006 ordinee, Rabbi Diane Elliot is now the spiritual leader of the Aquarian Minyan (www.aquarianminyan.org) in Berkeley, CA, one of the seminal American Jewish Renewal communities. Rabbi Elliot has also worked with b'nai mitzvah students at Kehilla Community Synagogue in Piedmont, CA. She regularly shares her embodied approach to Jewish learning at spiritual retreats across the U.S., including the bi-annual ALEPH Kallot and Ruach Ha-Aretz, week-long gatherings sponsored by the Alliance for Jewish Renewal (www.aleph.org), and has recently begun to co-lead Jewish meditation retreats with her partner, Rabbi Burt Jacobson, and with Rabbi Jeff Roth of the Awakened Heart Project (http://www.awakenedheartproject.org/.) In addition, she is a Certified Teacher of Body-Mind Centering®, a Registered Somatic Movement Therapist, and maintains a private practice in embodied spiritual direction in the San Francisco Bay Area. A member of OHaLaH, the Jewish Renewal rabbinic association, and of the Northern California Board of Rabbis, Rabbi Elliot can be reached at hannadrei@earthlink.net.
My experience at AJR, CA: "I found the Academy
to be a superb learning community of teachers and students
dedicated, together, to the deepening of knowledge and
spirituality, with an eye to creating a new kind of Jewish
spiritual leader. One of the school's greatest strengths
is its commitment to creating a student-centered learning
environment in order to maximize the potential of each
student."
 Rabbi Anthony Elman
Rabbi Anthony Elman received his ordination in 2007 and serves as the Rabbi of
the Grancell Village campus of the Los Angeles Jewish Home for the Aging, where
he is responsible for attending to the spiritual care and growth of some 450
residents with an average age of 90+. Rabbi Elman can be reached at aelman1335@gmail.com.
My experience at AJR, CA: "I thrived at AJR, CA. I was encouraged
to give my best and I appreciated that the atmosphere and ethos of the
school encouraged both spirituality and the exploration of Judaism as
a teaching of social justice."
 Chaplain D'vorah Epstein
Receiving her certificate
in Jewish Chaplaincy and Masters in Jewish Studies in 2006,
Chaplain D'vorah Epstein
is now serving as a Chaplain at Providence St. Joseph Medical
Center (www.providence.org)
in Burbank, CA. She is furthering her training in the Medical
Center's Clinical Pastoral Education Program. In addition
to providing a spiritual presence for patients and their
families, Chaplain Epstein also facilitates a bereavement
group for families and friends of patients who have passed
away. She also visits with patients and conducts weekly services
at Providence St. Elizabeth Care Center in North Hollywood.
Chaplain Epstein can be reached at D.vorah.McDonald@providence.org.
My experience at AJR, CA: "My instructors were inspiring;
stimulating me and pushing and prodding me beyond my conceptualized
limits in regards to Jewish text and prayer and beliefs. The
atmosphere of respectful discussion and debate, amongst all students,
faculty and staff, could not be improved upon. It created a tremendously
thought-provoking and intellectual atmosphere in which to learn
and grow."
Rabbi Andrew Feig
Ordained in 2007, Rabbi Andrew Feig serves as the Rabbi-in-Residence at Sinai Akiba Academy, a K-8 Solomon Schechter day school affiliated with Sinai Temple, a Conservative synagogue in Los Angeles. In this capacity, he leads the school's
tefillot, and develops programming that will enhance the
religious and spiritual life of the school which has over
500 students. In addition, he also teaches two middle school
classes. Rabbi Feig can be reached at afeig@sinaitemple.org.
My experience at AJR, CA: "I have cherished my years at the Academy; the camaraderie between students, the high regard for our teachers, and the serious commitment to learning and Yiddishkeit has made an everlasting impression upon me."
Rabbi Tsipi Gabai
Upon receiving her ordination in 2003, Rabbi Tsipi Gabai assumed
the position of Rabbi of Tehiya Day School (www.tehiya.org),
in El Cerrito, CA, while continuing in her position as
the school's Head of Jewish Studies and Assistant Director.
In addition to her school responsibilities, she also
officiates at lifecycle events for families that are
part of Tehiya Day School. Rabbi Gabai was the winner
of the 2004 Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award for Excellence
in Jewish Education; a national honor designed to recognize
outstanding Jewish educators. As the Chair of the Award
Committee noted, Rabbi Gabai's "contribution
to Jewish youth was found to be exemplary." Rabbi
Gabai may be reached at hamsa5@aol.com.
My experience at AJR, CA: "My years at the
Academy were wonderfully stimulating. I admired and was
both enriched and inspired by all of my teachers. They
were knowledgeable, welcoming and kind. And, I learned
with and from my fellow students, my chavruta; men and
women whose love for Judaism and the Jewish people was
truly heartening."
 Rabbi Sara Lonstein Gilbert
A 2006 ordinee, Rabbi Sara Lonstein Gilbert now serves as Rabbi of Beth
Israel Congregation (www.bethisraelcolorado.org), in Greeley, CO.
Unaffiliated with a particular movement, the congregation draws
extensively from the traditional practices as well as from liberal
approaches to Judaism. Rabbi Gilbert leads prayer services, celebrates
holiday and life-cycle events, engages in torah study and teaches adult
education classes. She also serves as a spiritual counselor to her
congregants. In addition to her work with Beth Israel Congregation,
Rabbi Gilbert serves as Hospice Chaplain at Beth Nehamah Hospice in Denver, CO as well as teaches adults and conducts some Shabbat services for
Congregation Rodef Shalom also in Denver. She is an active member of the
Rocky Mountain Rabbinical Council and serves on the board of Stepping
Stones to a Jewish Me, the nationally recognized Jewish educational
program for interfaith families. Rabbi Gilbert can be reached at sgilbert772@msn.com.
My experience at AJR, CA: "I am thrilled and honored
to be out in the world as an AJR, CA graduate serving as a rabbi
and spiritual counselor. At the same time, I miss the learning,
friendship and opportunities that I so enjoyed at the Academy. I
felt so fortunate to be able to study with outstanding teachers
from academia as well as leading congregational clergy in the Los
Angeles area. My fellow students, too, were such bright, accomplished
individuals. What makes AJR, CA so remarkable is the atmosphere
of mutual support. The caring and sharing of creative ideas and
material continues even after graduation."
 Rabbi and Cantor Mark Goodman
Ordained in 2007, Rabbi and Cantor Mark Goodman serves as the spiritual
leader of Valley Beth Israel in Sun Valley, CA which is affiliated with
the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. In addition to his congregational
responsibilities, he is currently pursuing his doctorate in Jewish Studies
from Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies and serves as an adjunct professor of Jewish history and religion at Los Angeles Valley College. Rabbi and Cantor Goodman
can be reached at marksgoodman@yahoo.com.
My experience at AJR, CA: "AJR, CA is blessed with an incredible
faculty who genuinely care about their students."
 Rabbi Guy Greene
Since receiving his ordination in 2005, Rabbi Guy Greene has
served as Rabbi of Congregation Beth Shalom, a Conservative/Reform
synagogue in Sioux City, Iowa. In that capacity, Rabbi Greene
has established youth groups, a Tot Shabbat, interfaith programming,
as well as weekly programming for seniors in five local retirement
homes. He has also organized a community mission to Israel.
Rabbi Greene has revamped the curriculum for the synagogue's
Hebrew School as well as its Confirmation program and has
developed a new program for the conversion class. He has
added two additional minyanim to the weekly minyan schedule
and is working to increase the participation of young couples
through the synagogue's social awareness programs.
He has also developed outreach programs for Jewish college
students. In addition, he is working with Jewish Alzheimer's
patients through projects at the synagogue, visits Jewish
prisoners incarcerated in a local prison and has established
a Jewish "Habitat for Humanity" project benefiting
Jewish seniors. Rabbi Greene can be reached at RabbiGreene@aol.com.
My experience at AJR, CA: "The diverse curriculum,
magnificent and erudite faculty, and close chevra among the students,
contributed to a warm and intellectually stimulating learning
environment."
 Cantor Judy Greenfeld
Ordained in 2004, Cantor Judy Greenfeld is the spiritual leader
and founder of the Nachshon Minyan (http://www.nachshonminyan.org)
a community that reaches out to the unaffiliated. It meets
monthly in Encino, CA. Cantor Greenfeld is the co-author (with
Dr. Tamar Frankiel) of two books, Minding
the Temple of the Soul and Entering
the Temple of Dreams which detail a new approach
to Jewish prayer through movement and meditation. She has lectured
and taught movement and prayer at retreats and synagogues around
the United States. One of the highlights of Cantor Greenfeld's
work with the Nachshon Minyan includes authoring a prayer book
which reflects a blending of Conservative and Reform traditions.
It will be published by the Ktav Publishing House in 2007. Her
latest (Spring 2007) CD, "Leap of Faith:
The Nachshon Minyan Sings the Sabbath," serves as an accompaniment to the prayer
book. She has also released (Winter 2007) the CD "When
You Lie Down and When You Rise Up: Jewish prayers to begin and
end your day in a meaningful way" featuring original music for
evening and morning prayers. In a simple, "user-friendly" way,
Cantor Greenfeld takes listeners through the traditional bedtime
Shema as well as the Birchot HaShachar, the morning blessings.
The CD also includes meditations and guided imagery to help turn
going to sleep at night and waking up in the morning into a beautiful
and fulfilling ritual. For more information about the CDs, visit http://www.nachshonminyan.org/otherWorks.html.
Cantor Greenfeld can be reached at cantorj@nachshonminyan.org.
My experience at AJR, CA: "The people – the
students, faculty, administration and board – that
make up the Academy family are the most valuable resource
that the school has to offer. The support and collegial
relationships have lasted well beyond my time at the
school and have contributed to both my spiritual and
professional growth and development. In addition, although
I had previously been employed by a Reform synagogue,
my traditional training has made me well prepared for
working with a Conservative congregation."
 Rabbi Miriam Hamrell
Rabbi Miriam Hamrell received her ordination in 2003. She is
the founding Rabbi of Ahavat Torah Congregation (www.ahavattorahcongregation.org)
and was featured in "New Prayer Communities Seek Spiritual High" (The
Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles, 8-20-04). Rabbi Hamrell's Conservative/Reform
congregation meets weekly at 343 Church Lane in Brentwood, CA. She participates
and leads five different Torah learning groups, conducts life cycle events,
tutors Bar/Bat-Mitzvah students, and teaches adult education. Rabbi Hamrell
is active in various Los Angeles multicultural and religious community
activities and led her congregation on a Mission to Israel, the country
of her birth, under the umbrella of the Los Angeles Rabbinical Assembly.
In addition to her congregational and community work, she is now teaching
a course on "Hebrew Literature and Poetry" at AJR, CA. For
Rabbi Hamrell, being a Congregational Rabbi is "a dream come true." Rabbi
Hamrell can be reached at hamuda133@aol.com.
My experience at AJR, CA: "Both spiritually and mentally,
I reached higher plains than ever before. I'm forever grateful."
 Rabbi Min Kantrowitz
Ordained in 2004, Rabbi Min Kantrowitz is Director of the Jewish
Community Chaplaincy Program of Jewish Family Service of New
Mexico (www.jfsabq.org). The Jewish Community Chaplaincy Program
provides pastoral care, spiritual counseling, and other chaplaincy
services to unaffiliated Jews in the Rio Grande Valley of New
Mexico. Since the inception of the program in September, 2004,
Rabbi Kantrowitz has served people ranging in age from 8 to 104,
helping them with the spiritual aspects of family trauma, midlife
crises, severe emotional illness, hospice care, death, dying
and other issues. Through her job, she also trains and coordinates
the Albuquerque Community Chevre Kaddisha, conducts weekly bereavement
support groups, and a monthly healing group for Jewish survivors
of domestic abuse. She is developing programs for Jews with family
substance abuse problems and a Bikkur Cholim training program.
Rabbi Kantrowitz also teaches adult education classes in Introduction
to Kabbalah. In 2006, the Jewish
Federation of New Mexico awarded its annual "Woman of Valor" award
to Rabbi Kantrowitz in recognition of her "extraordinary efforts
in sustaining and nurturing Jewish community life". Rabbi Kantrowitz
can be reached at RabbiKantrowitz@jfsabq.org.
My experience at AJR, CA: "My experience at AJR, CA was
one of my most intense and delightful experiences, where I had the
privilege of being part of an extraordinarily diverse, bright and
knowledgeable community of learners while being mentored by accessible,
expert faculty."
 Rabbi Dean Kertesz
Ordained in 2008, Rabbi Dean Kertesz now serves as the Rabbi of Temple Beth Hillel,
a Reform congregation in Richmond, CA; the synagogue where he attended religious
school, became a Bar Mitzvah and was confirmed. He also teaches at the Jewish Community High School of the Bay in San Francisco, CA. Rabbi Kertesz can be reached
at rabbi@templebethhillelrichmond.org.
My experience at AJR, CA: "The breadth of faculty
and the variety of students at AJR, CA opened me up to
different ways of approaching Judaism. I became more open
minded; just as committed, but more flexible and accepting. "
Rabbi Julie Kozlow was ordained in 2007 and now serves as the Rabbi of Congregation Beth Israel in Greenville, South Carolina. Congregation Beth Israel has 130 member families and has been a pillar of Jewish life in Greenville for close to 80 years. It is affiliated with United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. Rabbi Kozlow can be reached at elishevah@aol.com.
My experience at AJR, CA: "For me, the AJR, CA faculty was truly inspiring. They were people who were autonomous in their beliefs and who, by example, gave me the courage to make my own path."
 Chaplain Bonnie Leopold
Chaplain Bonnie Leopold received her certificate in Jewish Chaplaincy and Masters in Jewish Studies in 2007. She now serves as Chaplain Intern at Torrance Memorial Hospital, Home Health and Hospice in Torrance, CA and is completing the hours necessary to receive her Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) certification. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Los Angeles Community Mikveh and Education Center and is in her second year of study in the Morei Derekh Jewish Spiritual Directors Training Program.
 Rabbi Jeffrey Lipschultz
Ordained in 2007, Rabbi Jeffrey Lipschultz is currently the Rabbi at Beth Judah Temple(www.bethjudahtemple.blogspot.com) in Wildwood, NJ, a 100-family synagogue on the Jersey Shore. Rabbi Lipschultz was raised in Tempe, Arizona and previously served as Rabbi for six years in Chula Vista, California before assuming his current position. He received a Masters degree in Jewish Education from The Jewish Theological Seminary in New York and majored in political science at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. In addition to his AJR, CA ordination, he was also privately ordained in Israel in 2002.
Rabbi Lipschultz has worked in diverse Jewish communities from Aspen, Colorado to San Diego CA before arriving in Wildwood, NJ. He moved to New Jersey with his wife, Naomi, and son, Ari, born in July 2008. Rabbi Jeff and Naomi are also the proud parents of a dog named Jessie and a cat named Shmooey, both of whom made the cross country trip from San Diego to Wildwood.
Among his responsibilities at Beth Judah Temple, Rabbi Lipschultz is creating a stimulating Adult Education program as well as overseeing the Hebrew School and coordinating the synagogue's interfaith activities with the general community. He is a member of the San Diego Rabbinical Association (SIDRA), The South Jersey Association of Rabbis and Cantors, as well as a member of OHALAH. Rabbi Lipschultz can be reached at DVJewish@rof.net.
My experience at AJR, CA: "The Academy is a wonderful place where I and others felt comfortable to learn from the teachers and each other in the most open environment. I have studied at many schools but only at AJR, CA did I truly feel that I was able to learn and grow as a person from that learning. I will carry the wisdom I gained from the Academy with me wherever I go and I am very grateful to have had this experience."
 Rabbi Alicia Magal
Rabbi Alicia Magal received her ordination in 2003 in the first
graduating class of the AJR, CA. After serving three years as
the spiritual leader of Makom Shalom, a Renewal congregation
in Chicago, she moved to her current position as rabbi of the Jewish
Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley (www.jcsvv.net),
an unaffiliated synagogue in Sedona, Arizona. Rabbi Magal
was one of twenty rabbis selected in 2005-6 for the STAR
(Synagogues: Transformation and Renewal) PEER Program, a unique
national leadership
program to bridge the spiritual and practical components of rabbinic
training for
congregational rabbis of all denominations of Judaism. Rabbi Magal
can be reached at RebAmalia@aol.com and RabbiAliciaMagal@esedona.net.
My experience at AJR, CA: "We, as a student body, are
older than the average seminarian at the denominational
seminaries; each student at the AJR, CA represents enormous
expertise and professional history. The faculty acknowledged
and encouraged the contributions we brought to class
discussions."
 Rabbi Paula Marcus
The Assistant Rabbi and Congregational Cantor at Temple Beth El (www.tbeaptos.org),
a Union for Reform Judaism-affiliated congregation in Aptos,
California, Rabbi Paula Marcus received her ordination in 2004.
She is also a teacher in the synagogue's adult education
program, a davening leader and a spiritual counselor. She officiates
at life-cycle events and serves on a number of synagogue committees.
Rabbi Marcus believes that her education at the Academy for Jewish
Religion, CA prepared her well for the wide range of responsibilities
she has in her synagogue and, since she serves a diverse congregation
of over 500 families, she is particularly appreciative of the
Academy's commitment to serving K'lal Yisrael. Rabbi Marcus may
be contacted at paulamarcus@sbcglobal.net.
My experience at AJR, CA: "The diverse
opinions and backgrounds and the blend of tradition and
innovation contributed to an inspiring spiritual and intellectual
environment. The wide of range of skills that I was challenged
to develop at the Academy have been invaluable to me in my rabbinate."
 Rabbi and Cantor Osnat Margalith
Rabbi and Cantor Osnat Margalith received her Cantorial ordination
in 2007 and her Rabbinic ordination in 2008. She now serves as
the spiritual leader of Temple Beth Sholom, a synagogue affiliated with the
Conservative movement in Chula Vista, CA. In addition, Rabbi and Cantor Margalith
is also part of a team working on a new research project for The
Children's Hospital of Orange County Cancer Institute. The focus
of this project is to develop a bereavement program and Rabbi
and Cantor Margalith’s
responsibilities include evaluating the practices of bereavement
programs. Rabbi and Cantor Margalith can be reached at saphire940@cox.net.
My experience at AJR, CA: "I found the transdenominational
nature of AJR, CA to be one of the school’s greatest
attributes; fostering an atmosphere that emphasized a
love of Klal Yisroel in its entirety. In addition, I
received a substantive training and education from teachers
who provided a wealth of experience and perspective and
who, at the same time, were always available and encouraging
to the students."
 Rabbi Yocheved Mintz
Ordained in 2004, Rabbi Yocheved Mintz is the spiritual leader of Valley Outreach Synagogue of Las Vegas (www.valleyoutreachsynagogue.com), the only Reconstructionist congregation in Nevada. In addition to pastoral counseling and teaching adults and youngsters, Rabbi Mintz is also called upon for her meaningful and creative services for life-cycle events, including Chanukat Bayit, Brit Milah, Simchat Bat, Hachnassat Torah, B'nei Mitzvah, weddings, Simchat
Chochma, funerals, and grief counseling. Rabbi Mintz is the President of OHALAH, the international Association of Rabbis for Jewish Renewal. She also serves as Secretary for the Board of Rabbis of Southern Nevada, is a member of the Clark County Ministerial Association, as well as the Interfaith Council of Southern Nevada. Rabbi Mintz is also Managing Director of the Las Vegas Jewish Center for Education, Media, and the Arts, bringing professional growth to teachers of Judaica and enriching the Jewish cultural scene throughout the Las Vegas Valley. She is an active member of the Chevra Kaddisha, immediate past-president of the AJR, CA Alumni Association, a member of Brit Tzedek and of Rabbis for Human Rights, and is an Associate Member of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association. Rabbi Mintz may be reached at gkmintz@aol.com.
My experience at AJR, CA: "Studying in an
incredibly supportive environment, with brilliant and
uniquely dedicated fellow students and extremely qualified
and deeply caring rabbis and teachers, my years at AJR,
CA were intellectually stimulating, academically motivating,
and spiritually fulfilling – in short, a life-long
dream come true."
 Rabbi Malka Mittelman
Rabbi Malka Mittelman received her ordination in 2006 and currently serves as Rabbi and Spiritual Care Counselor for Skirball Hospice, a program of the Los Angeles Jewish Home for the Aging. She tends to the spiritual needs of hospice patients and their families, of all religious and ethnic backgrounds throughout Los Angeles County, in private homes and in assisted living facilities. Rabbi Mittelman also serves as Rabbi of B'nei Mishkan, a Jewish community without walls in the Los Angeles area. Rabbi
Mittelman can be reached at Malka.Mittelman@jha.org.
My experience at AJR, CA: "The Academy provided me with a solid
background in all areas pertinent to my work, from pastoral counseling
to familiarity with liturgy and ritual practices from all walks of Jewish
life. I cherish the trust and respect I experienced among
both fellow students and instructors during each of my five years of
wonderful classes."
 Rabbi Arinna Moon
Rabbi Arinna Moon received her ordination in 2008 and now serves as the Rabbi
of Mt. Sinai Congregation, an unaffiliated, transdenominational synagogue in
Cheyenne, Wyoming. Rabbi Moon is the congregation’s first ordained rabbi
and the only female in their entire history. The congregation will be celebrating
its centennial in 2010. As Rabbi Moon notes, “We welcome visitors and you
don’t need a pair of cowboy boots to walk in the door.” In addition
to her congregational responsibilities, Rabbi Moon has also continued in her
position as a Chaplain and Rabbi for Skirball Hospice, a program of the Los Angeles
Jewish Home for the Aging. Rabbi Moon can be reached at leahshira@foxinternet.com.
My experience at AJR, CA: "Learning in a transdenominational
environment with other people my age in an atmosphere
that is respectful and supportive has been absolutely
fantastic."
 Rabbi Avraham Navah
Receiving his ordination in 2006, Rabbi Avi Navah now serves as the School
Rabbi at Kadima Hebrew Academy (www.kadimaacademy.org)
in West Hills, CA. While not affiliated with any synagogue, Kadima
is an affiliate of the national Solomon Schechter schools under the auspices
of the Conservative movement. Among his responsibilities, Rabbi Navah works
with the school"s Judaic Studies staff in all aspects of the Judaic
Studies program with a particular emphasis on textual studies. He is
also responsible for all spiritual matters related to the Kadima community. In
addition to his work at Kadima Hebrew Academy, Rabbi Navah also serves as
Associate Rabbi of Temple Ner Maarav, a Conservative synagogue in Encino,
CA, where he conducts monthly Shabbat Services as well as services held during
the High Holy Days. Rabbi Navah can be reached at anavah@kadimaacademy.org.
My experience at AJR, CA: "My experience at AJR, CA was truly life-changing.
I gained the ability to delve into the sources of Judaism and was enriched
by the study of these texts. Most significantly, I had the opportunity
to learn together with great minds, both teachers and students alike."
 Rabbi Laura Owens
Ordained in 2008, Rabbi Laura Owens now serves as the Associate Rabbi of
Congregation B’nai Horin – Children of Freedom in Los Angeles,
one of the nation’s oldest Renewal congregations. Rabbi Owens can be
reached at rabbilaura@gmail.com.
My experience at AJR, CA: "My experience studying
at AJR, CA was profoundly impacted by the committed and
stimulating faculty whose diverse backgrounds provided
us with the opportunity to benefit from multiple traditions;
a board of directors who have shown unflagging support;
an administration and staff that work tirelessly for
the benefit of every element within the school; alumni
who are making a difference in communities across the
country; and a student body comprised of brilliant and
accomplished individuals. The rigorous academic standards
made for an intellectually stimulating environment which
was enhanced by the level of and emphasis on spirituality
that permeates the entire school."
 Hazzan
Eva Robbins
Hazzan Eva Robbins received her ordination in 2004. She is a member of the Cantors
Assembly and presently sits on the Executive Council. She is the Cantor of Congregation
N'vay Shalom (www.nvayshalom.org),
a nondenominational synagogue in Los Angeles that places emphasis on spiritual
and mystical studies. Hazzan Eva teaches and nurtures spiritual growth and healing
through meditation and music. Much of her work also includes personalized approach
to preparing children and adults for Bar and Bat Mitzvah, teaching Hebrew language
skills, offering spiritual guidance, officiating at lifecyle events and guiding
the conversion process. She has created a new Shabbat morning service that reflects
the Transdenominational nature of her Academy training including fusion of nusach
and contemporary melodies and an innovative prayer book reflecting the voices
of different denominations in Judaism. Her recently published composition of
R'fa-aynu is available in the Transcontinental Publication of "R'fuah Shleymah," as
well as on tape through Sh'neyhem Productions. She can also be heard on
the CD "Spirit of Passover" produced by the Cantors Assembly and
United Synagogue for Conservative Judaism. Hazzan Eva also teaches in the Department
of Continuing Education at the University of Judaism and is on the faculty of
Los Angeles Hebrew High School where she teaches Liturgy and T'fillah.
Hazzan Eva is also the Director of Admissions and Recruitment for the Academy
and has taught nusach in the Rabbinic and Chaplaincy Departments. She can be
reached at erobbins@ajrca.org.
My experience at AJR, CA: "My experience
at AJR, CA was an incredibly enriching experience
where I was able to grow spirituality and develop
the necessary skills to be a clergy person for our
times. The faculty not only shared their wisdom but
guided me from their hearts and souls."
 Rabbi Ira Rosenfeld
Ordained in 2008, Rabbi Ira Rosenfeld now serves as Rabbi
of Congregation Beth Shalom of the Santa Clarita Valley in
Santa Clarita, CA. It is the area’s oldest and largest
Conservative synagogue. Rabbi Rosenfeld can be reached at rebira@sbcglobal.net.
My experience at AJR, CA: "AJR, CA provided
a community which helped me blossom and learn to
stand on my strengths. The extensive and diverse
knowledge and perspective that I acquired was remarkable
and the sense of friendship and family that I have
developed with so many of my fellow students, as
well as faculty and staff has given me a real feeling
of security and belonging to something special."
 Rabbi Mark Rotenberg
Ordained in 2007, Rabbi Mark Rotenberg serves as the Program
Director of Serenity Manor East, a high-end, alcohol and drug
abuse inpatient treatment facility in Beach Lake, PA. Rabbi Rotenberg
can be reached through the contact page at www.serenitymanoreast.com.
My experience at AJR, CA: "My experience at AJR,
Ca. was deeply transformative; it enabled me to delineate
a personal spiritual path to the Divine, that my resentments
regarding my orthodox upbringing had all but closed me.
The diversity and knowledge of both the Faculty and student
body opened new horizons in my spiritual journey."
 Rabbi Bonnie Sharfman
Ordained in 2005, Rabbi Bonnie Sharfman is the Rabbi of Kehillah of Arizona (www.kehillahofarizona.com). Her prior position was Associate Rabbi of Temple Kol Ami, a URJ-affiliated congregation in Scottsdale, AZ. Rabbi Sharfman is a much-requested teacher of texts, spirituality and Jewish studies and has a specialty in Jewish education, having served for many years as a Jewish educator of distinction in the Reform movement, as a congregational educator working with preschool through adults, as president of PARDeS (the Progressive Association of Reform Jewish Day Schools), as Family Education Chair and School Accreditation Chair of the National Association of Temple Educators and on the national executive committee of the then Union of American Hebrew Congregations. Rabbi Sharfman founded and served as Head of School of Pardes Jewish Day School for over a decade and now serves on that institution's Board of Directors. In addition to her work as rabbi of Kehillah of Arizona, Rabbi Sharfman serves as Vice-President of the Phoenix Board of Rabbis and is an alumna of the STAR PEER Executive Rabbinic Leadership Training program. She is a frequent teacher for the Bureau of Jewish Education (BJE) training local Jewish educators and in their "Jewish Marriage University" and "Jewish Baby University" programs. She can be reached at rabbibonnie@rabbisharfman.org.
My experience at AJR, CA: "Studying for the
rabbinate at this stage of life would not have been possible
for me were it not for AJR, CA. My fellow students took
their learning seriously and were supportive of each
other in the process. The years at AJR, CA afforded me
the opportunity to grow spiritually as well as professionally."
 Rabbi Paul Shleffar
Ordained in 2006, Rabbi Paul Shleffar is the Founder and
Director of the Center for Contemporary Jewish Spirituality
(www.cfcjs.org). Author of Kol Elimelech: Chasidic Wisdom
for Our Time, he is a dedicated student and respected teacher of
traditional Jewish texts with emphasis on the Chasidic and
Jewish mystical traditions. Rabbi Shleffar’s work includes
scholarly writing and translating of texts focusing on spirituality;
he is currently working on his next book on the topic of Suffering
and Growth. He is a requested pastoral and spiritual counselor
and certified teacher of Jewish meditation.
Rabbi Shleffar serves as an officer of the Board of Rabbis
of Northern California. Prior to his rabbinical studies,
Rabbi Shleffar had a distinguished career serving the people
of Northern California as a firefighter and medic, earning
distinctions for his leadership. He can be contacted at
rabbishleffar@cfcjs.org.
My experience at AJR, CA: "Among
all the places that I have studied, both in the US and abroad,
the Academy stands out for its familial and collegial atmosphere.
This pronounced absence of competition among students and faculty
gave rise to the sense that all were there to elevate one another."
 Cantor Harris Shore
Ordained in 2008, Cantor Harris Shore serves as the cantor at the Los Angeles Jewish Home for the Aging's Eisenberg Village Campus. In addition, Cantor Shore officiates regularly as guest cantor for various Shabbat and Festival services, as well as for many lifecycle events celebrated by the unaffiliated throughout the Los Angeles Jewish community. Cantor Shore can be reached at harrisshore@sbcglobal.net.
My experience at AJR, CA: "At AJR, CA I was blessed
to study with the most incredible, intelligent, decent
fellow students, and a remarkable faculty whose teachings
and experiences covered all denominations of Judaism.
Because of this unusually expansive training, I am able
to serve the Jewish people from the traditional to the
more selectively observant."
 Chaplain Judith C. Sommerstein
Awarded her certificate
in Jewish Chaplaincy as well as Masters in Jewish Studies
in 2006, Chaplain Judith Sommerstein is furthering her
training in the Clinical Pastoral Education Program at
Little Company of Mary Hospital in Torrance, CA. The hospital
is part of Providence Health System. Among her responsibilities
as a Jewish Chaplain at the hospital, Chaplain Sommerstein
works directly with patients and their families in a variety
of settings within the hospital. She also takes part in the
educational "classroom" component
of the program which includes the study and discussion
of patients' case histories and how to best meet
their specific needs. Chaplain Sommerstein can be reached
at JudithCaro@aol.com.
My experience at AJR, CA: "My education and training
gave me the skills and confidence necessary to help
people in what may be their greatest time of need.
It was a joy to be a student at AJR, CA. There was
a true camaraderie being among like-minded people who
had a deep spiritual commitment to the profession.
I always felt that my instructors wanted me to be the
best that I could be and I loved the feeling that I
was valued both personally and professionally."
 Rabbi Faith Tessler
Rabbi Faith Tessler received her ordination in 2007 and now serves the Los Angeles and Palm Springs Jewish communities. In Los Angeles, Rabbi Tessler officiates at lifecycle events for unaffiliated Jews; she also teaches in the Adult Education Department at Temple Beth Hillel, a Reform congregation in ValleyVillage. In Desert Hot Springs (located in the Palm Springs area), she is the rabbi for a growing Jewish community. In that regard, she travels there each month to lead services, celebrate holidays, and help them build/reinvigorate their Jewish community. Rabbi Tessler can be reached at emmie613@aol.com.
My experience at AJR, CA: "Now that I'm working as a rabbi, I am even more grateful for the education I received at AJR, CA which serves me well in so many ways. The Academy's faculty is exceptional, the student body warm and supportive, and the atmosphere in the school nurturing and accepting. I am blessed to be an alumna of this wonderful school. My only hope is that one day soon, they will offer continuing education for graduates in the form of distance learning, so that I may continue to partake of AJR, CA's diverse and talented faculty."
 Rabbi Monty Turner
Receiving his ordination in 2005, Rabbi Monty Turner is the
Assistant Rabbi at Makom Ohr Shalom (www.makom.org),
a Jewish Renewal synagogue in Woodland Hills, CA. Rabbi Turner
also serves as the congregation's Cantor and Musical
Director. He teaches in the synagogue's adult B'nei
Mitzvah program as well other adult education classes. In
addition to officiating at various lifecycle events, Rabbi
Turner also works with the congregation's children
as a teacher in the synagogue's religious school. He
can be reached at Monty345@aol.com.
My experience at AJR, CA: "The Academy changed
my life; allowing me to further fulfill my potential
as a teacher, student and singer."
 Rabbi Liat Yardeni-Funk
Ordained in 2006, Rabbi Liat Yardeni-Funk serves as School Rabbi and
Director of Judaic Studies at Stephen S. Wise Temple Elementary
School (www.sswt.org/es)
in Los Angeles. The spiritual leader for over 500 students
and 100 staff members, Rabbi Yardeni-Funk guides, advises and integrates
Jewish Life in the school; the latter of which includes the development and
implementation of a collaborative strategies plan for Jewish integration
across all school subjects. Coordinating the Jewish Studies program for grades
K-6th, she develops and implements the curriculum, recruits and interviews
potential staff members, as well as teaches 5th and 6th grade students. Her
additional responsibilities include leading Friday services, conducting all
holiday assemblies, and creating and implementing the Shabbat dinners as
well as the Acts of Loving Kindness and Hessed projects. Her overall objective
is to "nourish my students' souls,
expand their horizons, broaden their minds, and kindle their
Jewish hearts." Rabbi
Yardeni-Funk can be reached at LYardeni-Funk@WiseLA.org.
My experience at AJR, CA: "The Academy has prepared me very well
to be a spiritual leader who is able to lead services, teach Torah and
bring the joy of Judaism to the students of Stephen S. Wise Temple Elementary
School."
 Rabbi Cheryl Weiner, PhD
Ordained in 2007, Rabbi Cheryl Weiner serves on the Board of Trustees for the Jewish Publication Society (JPS) as an advisor for JPS Interactive and Chair of its Education Advisory Council. In addition, Rabbi Weiner is also part of a team of national educators and technologists writing a white paper on The Impact of Emerging Technologies on 21st Century Jewish Learning sponsored by JESNA under the auspices of the Lippman Kanfer Institute. She served as the Director of Education for the Reform Congregation Beth El, Berkeley, CA and as Director of the Religious School and Youth Programs at Kehillat Israel, Pacific Palisades, CA. There, Rabbi Weiner spear-headed the acquisition, development, and implementation of a large-scale Covenant Foundation Grant, which she directed. Entitled Menschlekeit Matters, it is a values based character development program, which is a Jewish adaptation of CHARACTER COUNTS! a secular program of the Josephson Institute of Ethics. Rabbi Weiner can be reached at cweinermh@aol.com.
My experience at AJR, CA: "The transdenominational nature of AJR,
CA and its focus on both the spiritual and pragmatic aspects of the tradition
has positioned me as a leader of communities embracing 21st century Judaism.
Through its Rabbinic program, I have learned how to address the burgeoning
questions of spritual journey and personal meaning as well as the traditional
issues of Jewish continuity and communal identity."
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