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:

Cantor Tannoz Bahremand Foruzanfar
Upon receiving her ordination in 2009, Cantor Tannoz Bahremand Foruzanfar became the first Persian woman to be ordained as a Cantor in the United States. She now serves as a Cantor at Stephen S. Wise Temple, a Reform congregation with over 3000 member families in Los Angeles and her responsibilities include mentoring Bar/Bat Mitzvah students, conducting Shabbat, Festival, High Holiday and Bar/Bat Mitzvah services, leading Shiva Minyanim, and officiating at life cycle events. Cantor Bahremand Foruzanfar can be reached at tannozbahremand@aol.com.

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.

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 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 theNevada 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 Neil Blumofe
Ordained in 2009, Rabbi Neil Blumofe serves as the Spiritual Leader of Congregation Agudas Achim, in Austin, Texas, a position that he has held since 1998. A sacred singer, composer and teacher, Rabbi Blumofe was trained in the vocal cantorial arts at the Jewish Theological Seminary, in New York City, receiving the diploma of Hazzan as well as Masters Degrees in Sacred Music and Bible and Ancient Semitic Languages. In addition to receiving smicha from AJR, CA, he also received rabbinic ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York. Rabbi Blumofe has established a reputation as a creative leader of worship and transmitter of Jewish traditions, ancient to modern. He is known as a discerning improviser in prayer, a thoughtful crafter of divrei Torah and one concerned with caring for and uplifting a flourishing community. Currently, he is writing about the work of the Hebrew writer, S.Y. Agnon and how Agnon's stories function as authentic rabbinic responses to catastrophe. In addition, he has recently released two original albums that bring together the sounds of jazz and hazzanut (Jewish sacred singing), Piety and Desire, and Moses' Muses. Another project, Exile and Emigre, is scheduled for release in 2010. Rabbi Blumofe can be reached at rabbi@caa-austin.org.

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 Slome
Ordained in 2005, Rabbi Lynn Brody Slome is the Associate Dean of Internships and Placement at AJR, CA. She is Co-President of MAJR, the Professional Rabbinical Association of AJR, CA’s ordinees. She formerly 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. 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, a non-profit organization which has raised $50 million dollars in the past 56 years and funds facilities for developmentally and physically disabled, abused, and at-risk children. She is a member of the Southern California Board of Rabbis, the Sandra Caplan Community Bet Din, the National Association of Jewish Chaplains, a Life Member of Hadassah, and the only rabbi in the Professional Dancers Society. Rabbi Lynn was one of six rabbis profiled in the 2007 documentary, "Praying in Her Own Voice," which details the struggle of the "Women of the Wall" movement in Israel. 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."

Cantor Sharon Colbert
Ordained in 2009, Cantor Sharon Colbert will assume the position of Cantor at Temple Beth Am, a Reform congregation with over 500 member families in Williamsville, NY (a suburb of Buffalo) as of October 1st. Beth Am's Marshall & Marlene Glickman Center for Jewish Learning is one of Western New York's largest Jewish Religious Schools and, in addition to educational opportunities, the congregation is actively involved in social action work throughout the Buffalo area. Prior to October 1st, Cantor Colbert will be continuing to work in the Houston Jewish community including co-officiating High Holiday services at Houston's Jewish Information Center. Cantor Colbert can be reached at sharoncolbert@sbcglobal.net.

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 Marcy Delbick
Rabbi Marcy Delbick was ordained in 2009.

Rabbi Diane Elliot
A 2006 ordinee, Rabbi Diane Elliot currently teaches and maintains a spiritual direction practice in the San Francisco Bay Area and nationally. A co-founder of the newly-organized Merkavat Ha-Makhol Institute for Embodied Spirituality, a program of Elat Chayyim (http://www.isabellafreedman.org/elatchayyim), she regularly shares her embodied approach to Judaism at venues across the country and co-leads Jewish meditation retreats with her husband, Rabbi Burt Jacobson, and with Rabbi Jeff Roth of the Awakened Heart Project (http://www.awakenedheartproject.org/) Rabbi Elliot formerly served as spiritual leader of the Aquarian Minyan (www.aquarianminyan.org), a seminal Jewish Renewal community in Berkeley, CA. She is a member of OHALAH (http://www.ohalah.org/), the Northern California Board of Rabbis, and the East Bay Council of Rabbis. She 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 McDonald
Receiving her certificate in Jewish Chaplaincy and Masters in Jewish Studies in 2006, Chaplain D'vorah Epstein completed the Clinical Pastoral Education program at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center (www.providence.org) in Burbank , CA where she is serving as a Board Certified Chaplain. In addition to providing a spiritual presence for patients and their families, Chaplain Epstein coordinates a bereavement group for families and friends of patients who have passed away. She is also a member of the bioethics committee and is the site coordinator for the Clinical Pastoral Education program at the hospital. In 2008, Chaplain Epstein McDonald received the Mission Spirit Award which is awarded to employees who live out the core values of the hospital. 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 Steve Finley
Receiving his ordination in 2009, Rabbi Steve Finley now serves as the Rabbi at Westwood Horizons Retirement Residence in Los Angeles. In addition to this work, he has also written innovative curriclum which bridges the generation gap between teenagers and seniors, and is working with three Los Angeles based religious school's post B'nai Mitzvah students with this program. Rabbi Finley is also part of a team dedicated to building a Jewish Recovery program for the San Fernando Valley, and also plays guitar for a "Rockin' Shabbat" on the third Shabbat of every month with Rabbi and Cantor Mark Goodman at Valley Beth Israel in Sun Valley, CA. Rabbi Steve Finley can be reached at stefinley@yahoo.com.

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 Debbie Israel
Ordained in 2009, Rabbi Debbie Israel continues to serve as the Rabbi of Congregation Emeth, a Reform-affiliated congregation in Morgan Hill, CA. The congregation encompasses all of South Valley, including Gilroy, Hollister, Aromas, and South San Jose. The growing congregation recently moved into its first permanent facility in its 30 year history. Rabbi Israel is a member of the Board of Rabbis of Northern California and of Silicon Valley as well as the Community Relations Committee of the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley. Rabbi Israel can be reached at rabbidebbieisrael@gmail.com.

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.jfsnm.org), which provides spiritual support and pastoral care services to thousands of unaffiliated Jews. Rabbi Kantrowitz also directs the Albuquerque Community Chevre Kaddisha, facilitates grief support groups and conducts Healing Groups for Jewish survivors of domestic abuse. She is the author of the recently published book, Counting the Omer: A Kabbalistic Meditation Guide, which provides readers with a path through the 49 days of Counting the Omer, and includes mediations, exercises, kavvanot and activities for each of the days, according to the traditional pairings of the Sephirot. Rabbi Kantrowitz is a sought after speaker and teacher, having conducted services, workshops and lectures in Europe, California, Montana, Arizona, and across New Mexico. In 2006, she received the Jewish Federation of New MexicoÕs "Woman of Valor" award in recognition of her "extraordinary efforts in sustaining and nurturing Jewish community life". Rabbi Kantrowitz can be reached at RabbiKantrowitz@jfsnm.org or through her website, www.RabbiMinKantrowitz.com.

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
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."

Cantor Lorna Lembeck
Ordained in 2009, Cantor Lorna Lembeck is a Jew by choice. She conducts services that are filled with song and brings her Joy to Judaism. Her mission is to infuse a congregation with the passion she feel for Judaism through music, study, and prayer. Cantor Lembeck hopes that her example will inspire others to invite the traditions of Judaism into their lives as she has to hers. She presently serves as the Cantor for Creative Arts Temple, a liberal congregation that holds services in Beverly Hills. Cantor Lembeck can be reached at lornalem@aol.com.

Chaplain Bonnie Leopold
Chaplain Bonnie Leopold is in private practice, offering classes, workshops and private sessions to be a companion for those searching for a more meaningful connection to the God of their understanding. She is a practitioner of chaplaincy, offering grief counseling, spiritual counseling and direction, and a spiritual retreat facilitator with focus on the study of Mussar. She was recently certified as a Morei Derekh (spiritual guide) through the Morei Derekh Jewish Spiritual Direction Program and trained as a group facilitator (Manchim) by The Mussar Institute. She is a member of Spiritual Directors International and the National Federation of Spiritual Healers/Healing in America, located at 24050 Madison Street, Suite 216, Torrance, CA. To schedule an appointment, contact chaplainbonnieL@aol.com or call 310-613-3559.

Rabbi Arthur Levine, PhD, JD
Ordained in 2009, Rabbi Dr. Arthur Levine serves Am Yisrael by teaching Judaism, helping to build and support caring Jewish communities, serving the Jewish non-affiliated, and assisting other rabbis. He follows the ancient rabbinic model of earning his livelihood through a profession/trade (workers compensation insurance premiums attorney and expert witness). Rabbi Dr. Levine can be contacted at rabbiartlevine@gmail.com.

Rabbi Jeffrey Lipschultz
Ordained in 2007, Rabbi Jeffrey Lipschultz is currently the Rabbi at Beth Judah Temple(www.bethjudahtemple.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 President of OHALAH, the international Association of Rabbis for Jewish Renewal and 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. She also serves as Vice-President of 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, an Associate Member of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association, and an Associate Member of the Board of Rabbis of Southern California, and is currently in the ALEPH Hashpaah program, in training as a Spiritual Director. 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 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."

Rabbi Nina Perlmutter
Ordained in 2009, Rabbi Nina Perlmutter now serves as spiritual leader of Heichal Baoranim, an inclusive Reform synagogue in Flagstaff, Arizona. In addition, Rabbi Perlmutter is the contact for Jewish Services and Programs at Grand Canyon National Park, the first time "Jewish" is being listed in the Religious Worship section of visitor literature. A long-time college professor and educator, she continues teaching Jewish Studies and Environmental Ethics at Yavapai College in Prescott, AZ and for Northern Arizona University's Elderhostel program as well as independently. Rabbi Perlmutter can be reached at levchadash@cableone.net.

Hazzan Eva Robbins
Hazzan Eva Robbins received her ordination from the Academy for Jewish Religion, CA 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 lifecycle 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 served as the Director of Admissions and Recruitment for the Academy and is teaching nusach in the Rabbinic and Chaplaincy Departments. She can be reached at nvayshlm@hotmail.com.

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 most recently served as Rabbi of Congregation Beth Shalom of the Santa Clarita Valley in Santa Clarita, CA before continuing his long-time career as a Jewish educator. He works with synagogues and individuals representing all of Judaism's denominations. 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 is now working on two books for recovering peoples and starting a new venture, "A Spiritual Endeavor," which conducts spiritual retreats, primarily for those in recovery or anyone else. Prior to launching "A Spiritual Endeavor," Rabbi Rotenberg served 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 at rebmdr@gmail.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 Lawrence P. Seidman, PhD
Rabbi Lawrence P. Seidman was ordained in 2009 and has since begun establishing a new career as an author, expert commentator, lecturer and practitioner of integrating Science and Religion. A recognized expert in his field, Rabbi. Seidman had an illustrious engineering and management career with a wide variety of achievements in communications, satellites, aerospace and telemedicine. His current focus is on developing "Integrated Judaism", combining modern scientific thinking and methodologies with Jewish traditions and practices to bring the treasures and joys of Judaism to a wider, move diverse population through speaking, teaching, services and ceremonies. Information about his program is available at www.RationalRabbi.com and he can be reached at Rabbi@RationalRabbi.com.

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 Arinna Shelby
Rabbi Arinna Shelby received her ordination in 2008 and now serves as the part-time Rabbi of Beth Shalom of Whittier, a Conservative congregation. She is the first female rabbi in the synagogue’s sixty year history. Prior to being hired at Beth Shalom, she spent two years as the Rabbi of Mt. Sinai Congregation inCheyenne, Wyoming, also as their first female rabbi. There she headed the first rabbinic bet din in the state. In addition to her congregational responsibilities, Rabbi Shelby has continued in her position as Chaplain and Rabbi for Skirball Hospice, a program of the Los Angeles Jewish Home for the Aging. Rabbi Shelby can be reached at ravleahshira@gmail.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 Jay Sherwood
Ordained in 2009, Rabbi Jay Sherwood is the Founding Rabbi of Adat Re'im (www.adatreim.org), an independent, transdenominational congregation in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, a position he has held since 2005. In addition to his pulpit duties, Rabbi Jay directs the congregation's religious school. Rabbi Jay annually leads Shabbat services and song sessions at the regional religious school Shabbaton sponsored by the Jewish Federation of the Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys. He also teaches the Hebrew High program at Congregation Beth Shalom in Corona, CA. In addition to his congregational responsibilities, Rabbi Jay composes Jewish music and performs concerts weaving original stories with the music from his CDs, Sh'ma Koleinu and Wrapped Up In The Fringes. Rabbi Jay Sherwood can be reached at rabbijay@jaysherwood.com.

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.

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."

Cantor Meeka Simerly
Cantor Meeka Simerly received her ordination in 2009 and now serves as Cantor of San Jose's Temple Emanu-El (www.templesanjose.org), one of the oldest Reform congregations on the west coast. In addition to leading Erev Shabbat, holiday and minyan services, teaching adult education classes, training students for their Bar/Bat Mitzvah, and officiating at various life cycle events, Cantor Simerly also enjoys being involved in creating special rituals such as "Shabbat in Nature" and "Rock Shabbat." She is actively involved in the larger Jewish community, from working on large-scale community programs to co-officiating services (such as Shabbat and Passover Seders) at the Chai House, the main Jewish retirement facility in the area. Cantor Simerly is also involved in raising consciousness for Human Rights, such as participating in demonstrations and rallies against Proposition 8. She recently sang the National Anthem and blew the Shofar at Jewish Heritage night at the San Jose Giants baseball game. Cantor Simerly can be reached at meekantor@templesanjose.org.

Chaplain Barbara Singer
Chaplain Barbara Singer received her certificate in Jewish Chaplaincy and Masters in Jewish Studies in 2009 and has continued working with the elderly and their families as a hospice chaplain. She is available as a free-lance Chaplain for pastoral care needs, and is continuing to teach Adult Education at Temple Beth Hillel in North Hollywood and in the community. Chaplain Singer can be reached at SingerLA@aol.com.

Chaplain Judith C. Sommerstein
Chaplain Judith C. Sommerstein was awarded her Masters in Jewish Studies and a Certificate in Jewish Chaplaincy in 2006. Recently, she just passed the exam by the Association of Professional Chaplains to be a Provisional Certified Chaplain. When she completes 2,000 hours, of employment, she will be a full certified chaplain. Chaplain Sommerstein is employed as a Part Time Chaplain at Providence Little Company of Mary Hospital in San Pedro, California where she did part of her clinical pastoral training.She is responsible for working directly with patients and their families in a variety of settings within the hospital. She has recently been designated as the Site Coordinator for CPE Training at the hospital. In addition to her work, she volunteers as a Co-Leader of healing services at her synagogue. 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."

Cantor Elisa Waltzman
Ordained in 2009, Cantor Elisa Waltzman has established a private voice studio in Rochester, NY and is teaching B'nei Mitzvah students at Temple Brith Kodesh, Rochester's oldest and largest Reform congregation with approximately 1300 member families. She is also teaching 11th and 12th grades students at Temple Beth El, a Conservative synagogue in the same city. Cantor Waltzman can be reached at elisarnk2@aol.com.

Rabbi Julia Watts Belser, PhD
Rabbi Julia Watts Belser was ordained in 2007 and is Assistant Professor of Judaism in the Religious Studies department at Missouri State University in Springfield, MO. She received her Ph.D. in Jewish Studies in 2008 from the Joint Doctoral Program at the University of California, Berkeley and the Graduate Theological Union. She teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in Talmud & Midrash, Jewish History & Culture, Religion and the Environment, World Religions, and Feminist Theology. Rabbi Watts Belser can be reached at juliawattsbelser@gmail.com.

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."

Rabbi Avivah Winocur Erlick
Rabbi Avivah Winocur Erlick was ordained in 2009 and is now pursuing a Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Residency with Providence Health System, Southern California Region, a 12-month program earning four units of CPE credit toward chaplaincy certification. She serves as chaplain to the Emergency Department and Pediatrics/PICU for Providence Tarzana Medical Center, and also serves the spiritual needs of the hospital's Jewish patients, offering Shabbat and Holy Day services, song, spiritual guidance and prayer, in the hospital chapel and in patients' rooms.

Rabbi Erlick regularly leads religious services, chants Torah, offers adult education and gives drashot (sermons) for congregations in the Los Angeles area. A member of the Board of Rabbis of Southern California, she brings song and spiritual richness to the weddings, funerals and other lifecycle events she officiates.

While still in rabbinical school, Rabbi Erlick founded Gentle Jewish Yoga, an innovative program of instruction combining the Jewish spirituality, mysticism and meditation she studied at AJR with the relaxing, accessible movement she learned through certification in Restorative Hatha Yoga from A Gentle Way & Joyful Movement Studio in San Diego. She teaches mat Yoga classes for active adults and chair yoga for seniors and mixed groups, at synagogues, community centers, senior centers and in private homes. Rabbi Erlick is especially interested in finding ways to adhere to strict halacha (Jewish law) while working with Yoga, a prayer practice from the Hindu tradition. This is the focus of her rabbinic thesis, "Breathing Life into Jewish Bones: How to Deepen Jewish Spirituality with Yoga-based Contemplative Movement," which she is in the process of turning into a book.

Rabbi Erlick can be reached via her Web site at www.YogaRebbe.com.

My experience at AJR, CA: "I interviewed at all three Los Angeles-area rabbinical schools, but found AJR-Calif. to be the perfect fit for me. First, it specifically targets the second-career adult by offering a commuter schedule and a validating attitude toward advanced life experience. Second, being transdenominational, it welcomes Jews of all backgrounds, lifestyles and levels of observance. This makes for a mutually respectful, non-competitive student body and an extraordinarily open and supportive faculty. And most important to me, its underlying emphasis is on spirituality and growth. Almost every class and graduation requirement, no matter how matter-of-fact its subject, finds a way to challenge students' souls with questions like: ‘What does this learning mean to you, and how will you teach it to others?' This is the kind of thinking that creates true spiritual leaders."

Rabbi Barbara J. Zacky
Ordained in 2009, Rabbi Barbara Zacky is now continuing her Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) training at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. She is also focusing her efforts in the area of social action and justice and is involved with such organizations as Progressive Jewish Alliance and Rabbis for Human Rights. Rabbi Zacky can be reached at bzacky1@yahoo.com.