Throughout the academic year on Sunday evenings, the student body gathers 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.
For one hour, each Sunday evening, students meet in Spiritual Development Groups based on the Mussar model and discuss character traits which develop greater psychological consciousness and spiritual depth. The goal of these groups is to prepare students to become consummate professionals capable of serving the spiritual needs of their constituents based on their own developed inner awareness.
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. In the 2010-11 academic year, speakers included Rabbi Arthur Green, PhD, Rector of Hebrew College; Rabbi Shefa Gold, a leader in ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal and the Director of C-DEEP: The Center for Devotional, Energy and Ecstatic Practice; Rabbi Daniel Bouskila, Director of Special Projects for the Sephardic Educational Center; and Rabbi Naomi Levy, acclaimed author and spiritual leader of Nashuva, a groundbreaking Jewish outreach congregation. All rabbinic, cantorial, and chaplaincy students are expected to attend.
