Special Programs

Bet Midrash
This facet of the Academy study experience provides an opportunity for students to learn with hevruta (study partners) under the direction of a faculty member. In addition, opportunities for special tutoring are available. Several periods each week are built into the three-day-per-week Academy schedule during the fall and winter semesters. These sessions are used to master the texts for forthcoming classes in Bible, Talmud, Liturgy and other text-based courses.


Dinner/Shiur Hevrati
Each week on Sunday evening, over dinner, the entire student body gathers with our Rabbinical School Dean and other members of the administration and faculty to eat together in community, to discuss issues of the day, to explore matters pertaining to the rabbinate, cantorate, and chaplaincy, matters concerning the Academy program and policy, and other relevant issues. In addition, prominent scholars and leaders in Los Angeles and elsewhere are invited, periodically, to share their knowledge and expertise with the Academy community in this setting. Past speakers have included Dr. David Lieber, former President of the University of Judaism; Rabbi Gary Greenebaum, Western Regional Director of the American Jewish Committee; and Rabbi Levi Meir, Chaplain of Cedar-Sinai Medical Center. All rabbinic, cantorial, and chaplaincy students are expected to attend.


Morning Minyan
All students gather for services at the Academy every Monday morning throughout the fall and winter semesters. They meet under the supervision of the Dean of the Rabbinical School. Our initial intent is to pray individually and together as religious Jews. Beyond that purpose, students learn, experience and internalize the basic weekday morning service in its various denominational forms as they hone their persona and skills as future spiritual leaders and counselors.

Holocaust Education Project
AJR, CA has launched a Holocaust Education Project to contribute to the vast body of holocaust literature and resources by creating a holocaust text that will contain a collection of holocaust survivor stories, and academic and theological perspectives on the holocaust and Judaism after the holocaust. The Project will also host a series of collaborative opportunities for clergy and educators to learn and grow in the work of teaching holocaust studies, enhancing the memory of the holocaust, and creating and sharing liturgy and related opportunities for remembering the holocaust and celebrating Jewish continuity.

Director
Rabbi Pamela Frydman Baugh

Committee of Consultants
Dr. Tamar Frankiel, Co-Chair
Rabbi Stan Levy, J.D., Co-Chair
Rabbi Pamela Frydman Baugh
Rabbi Michael Barenbaum, Ph.D.
Dr. Robert Levy
Dr. Mary Felstiner
Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalom, Ph.D.
Dr. Marcella Bakur Weiner
Charlie Varon
Rich Sigberman

Circle of Scholars
Rabbi Pamela Frydman Baugh, Chair
Rabbi Yitz Greenberg
Marcia Reines Josephy
Rabbi J.B. Sacks
Dr. Marvin Sweeney
Dr. William Weiner

Annual Retreat
Spending a few days in seclusion from the world is one of the most important bonding experiences a community can create for itself. As such, the Academy holds an annual retreat on the beautiful campus of Brandeis-Bardin in Simi Valley. The retreat is open to students, faculty and board members (spouses or significant others as well as children are also welcome to attend). Past themes have included "Caring for the Caregivers: Coping with the Rabbinic/Cantorial Journey," and "Creative Prayer: or How to Pray With Kavana (spontaneity and concentration)."


Israel Program
Qualified students are eligible to study at Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem for a year or a semester. Our arrangement with Pardes will allow you to gain credit for courses taken there, which will fulfill Academy curriculum requirements. Pardes Institute is one of the foremost learning institutions in Israel. It is a dynamic community of study enabling students to engage in analytic investigation of texts with direct access to teachers and Havruta study. Study in Israel increases one's emotional connection to the Holy Land, and impacts the soul. It is highly recommended. The Director/Rosh Hayeshiva of the Pardes Institute is Rabbi Danny Landes, the former spiritual leader of B'nai David Congregation in Los Angeles.