Faculty

“Unsurpassed,” “inspiring,” “supportive,” and “respectful.” In a survey of AJRCA students and alumni, these were the most common terms used by respondents in describing their teachers. The Academy has attracted an illustrious, committed and passionate faculty. They include renowned scholars who have taught at such prestigious institutions as Columbia, MIT, Stanford, Georgetown, UC Berkeley, Princeton, UCLA, UCLA Medical School, USC, Loyola Marymount, Ohio State, the American Jewish University (formerly the University of Judaism), Notre Dame, Hebrew Union College, Yeshiva University, Claremont, and Hebrew University; as well as outstanding congregational clergy who hold rabbinic ordinations and cantorial diplomas from Yeshiva University, Jewish Theological Seminary, American Jewish University (formerly University of Judaism), Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion, as well as smicha from ALEPH (the Jewish Renewal Movement). They are affiliated with some of the most prominent Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist and Renewal synagogues in the Los Angeles area.

While AJRCA faculty members represent Judaism in all of its diversity, they are of like mind when it comes to their enthusiasm for teaching such a unique student body; mature, accomplished men and women who themselves bring great intellect and rich life experience to classroom discussions. The mutual respect between our faculty and students has created an intellectually stimulating and supportive classroom environment; dynamic, interactive lectures where discussion, debate and diversity of opinion are welcomed, encouraged and respected.