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The Ziegler Schoolof Rabbinic Studies

Ordination Program

Sinai Temple, Los AngelesMay 20, 2013 / 11 Sivan 5773

Order of Ceremony

Celebratory Dinner rabbi Cheryl Peretz, PresiDing

Associate Dean, Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies_________________________________________________________________________________________

ProCessional N’varekh - An interpretation of Shehekhiyanu Words by: Marcia Falk /Adapted by: Rabbi Lizzi Heydemann. This prayer honors and celebrates the achievement of arriving in this holy moment. Performed by: rabbi lizzi Jill honeyrose heyDemann

anD rabbi ronit tsaDok

WelCome melissa helD borDy

Chairman of the Board Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies

invoCation rabbi aaron alexanDer

Associate Dean, Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies

oPening remarks rabbi robert Wexler

President, American Jewish University

Charge to the neW rabbis rabbi braDley shavit artson

Abner and Roslyn Goldstine Dean’s Chair shi’ur A Group Reflection, Avot De Rabbi Natan Presented by D’ror isaaC Chankin-goulD

kaDDish De-rabbanan Rabbi’s Kaddish Led by JessiCa shafrin

refleCtions on rabbi/stuDent reb mimi feigelson

relationshiP Mashpiah Ruchanit

Presentation of the beit Din rabbi elliot Dorff, Av Beit Din Rector, American Jewish University

rabbi steWart l. vogel

Rabbi, Temple Aliyah Secretary, The Rabbinical Assembly

rabbi Julie sChonfelD

Executive Vice President, The Rabbinical Assembly Closing beneDiCtion rabbi Cheryl Peretz

Associate Dean, Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies

reCessional Niggun Performed by: rabbi lizzi Jill honeyrose heyDemann anD rabbi ronit tsaDok

reCePtion

Shi’ur Text

The Fathers According to Rabbi Nathan, Chapter 24 אבות דרבי נתן פרק כדאבות דרבי נתן פרק כדאבות דרבי נתן פרק כדאבות דרבי נתן פרק כד

ים נ ב ה א נ ובם ש ד א ל ?המ ו א דה הומ ה ל ב ר ה ה ר וד תמ ל ים ו ב ים טו ש מ ובשיש ם ד ר, א מ ה או י ובן א ע ב יש ל א :ןמ קו מ ן מ ת ין אוח ין מ ן א יד צ ין ב ד מ עו ה ו ב ר ם ה י ים מ א ב ולפ א ,יםנ ב ל ר כ ח א ה, ו ט מ ל מ

אפלו ,יםנ ב א ר כ ח א ה ו ל ח ים ת נ ב ה ל נ ובם ש ד א ל ?דומהא ה הומ ה ל ר וד תמ ל ים ו ב ים טו ש מ וין בא ם ש ד א ו :ןת ין אוכ פ ד הו י א, מ ימ ם ק י ים מ א ב

Elisha ben Abuya says: One in whom there are good works, who has studied much Torah, to

what may they be likened? To a person who builds first with stones and afterward with bricks:

even when much water comes and collects by their side, it does not dislodge them.

But one in whom there are no good works, though they study Torah, to what may they be

likened? To a person who builds first with bricks and afterward with stones: even when a little

water gathers, it overthrows them immediately.

:ספ י ס פ לושיש ס כול דומה ה ב ר ה ה ר וד תמ ל ים ו ב ים טו ש מ וב שי ם ש ד ר, א מ ה או י א ה הו

ד י מ דוי מ תואו י נ ה ן ש יו כ ש ,ספ י ס פ ין לוא ס ש כול דומה ה, ב ר ה ה ר וד תמ ל ים ו ב ים טו ש מ וין בא ם ש ד א ו :וב שי ה ש ל מ כ פ ש נ ו ודל צ פ ה נ

He used to say: One in whom there are good works, who has studied much Torah, to what may

they be likened? To a cup that has a base.

But one in whom there are no good works, though they studied much Torah, to what may they be

likened? To a cup that has no base: as soon as the cup is filled it overturns, and whatever was in

it spills.

:יםא ים נ ל כ לושיש ס סול דומה ה, ב ר ה ה ר וד תמ ל ים ו ב ים טו ש מ ובשיש ם ד ר, א מ ה או י א ה הו

קור זו בוכ רו ה ל צ ם רוד א ן ש יו ם כ לוב ן ל ס ר ין לוא ס ש סוה ל מ ה דו ב ר ה ה ר וד תמ ל ים ו ב ים טו ש מ וין בא ם ש ד א ו :תח ת א ב ב

He used to say: One in whom there are good works, who has studied much Torah, to what may

they be likened? To a horse that has a bridle.

But one in whom there are no good works, though he has studied much Torah, to what may they

be likened? To a horse that has no bridle: when one mounts it, it throws them off headlong.

*Translation adapted from Judah Goldin

Kaddish De-Rabbanan

Babylonian Talmud Bava Kama 50bThe Rabbis taught:A person should not clear stones from one’s own property to public property. It happened that a person was clearingstones from his own property to public property. A pious person met him and said, “Fool! Why are you clearing stonesfrom property that is not yours to property that is yours?!” [The owner of the field] mocked him. Sometime later heneeded to sell his field, and [after that] he was walking in the same public place and tripped on those same stones.He said, “That pious person spoke well when he asked me, 'Why are you clearing stones from a place that is not yours toa place that is yours?'”

After the study of Torah we praise God and we pray for teachers and students. Recitation of Kaddish DeRabbanan need not be limited tomourners. All who have read or who have heard the teaching of a text may participate fully.

Reader:Let us hallow and enhance God’s name throughout the world God created.May God’s sovereignty soon be accepted, during our life and the life of allIsrael. And let us say: Amen.

Congregation and Reader:May God be praised throughout all time.

Reader:Glorified and celebrated, lauded and worshiped, acclaimed and honored,extolled and exalted may the Holy One be, praised beyond all song andpsalm, beyond all tributes which mortals can utter. And let us say: Amen.

Heavenly God, grant lasting peace to our people and their leaders, to ourteachers and their disciples, to all who engage in the study of Torah in thisland and in all other lands. Let there be grace and kindness, compassionand love for them and for us all. Grant us fullness of life, and sustenance.Save us from all anger and distress. And let us say: Amen.

Let there be abundant peace from Heaven, with life’s goodness for us andfor all people Israel. And let us say: Amen.

May the One who brings peace to the universe in mercy bring peace to usand to all the people Israel. And let us say: Amen.

Reader:

Reader:

Congregation and Reader:

Kaddish De-Rabbanan

:

:

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Ordination Class of 2013

2013 Candidates for Ordination

URI DAVID ALLEN

“My heart is in the East, but I am at the end of the West.” (Yehudah Ha-Levi)

This feels like the story of my life. For many years now, I have been traveling back and forth from my birthplace in America to my homeland in Israel. Upon completion of every major stage in my life - be it high school, college or my first real job – Israel called. And I answered in the

affirmative. It is the place where I learned my most important Torah and had more lasting experiences that shape my Jewish life today. During my last sojourn there, I married the first love of my life, Sari, and together we created the second, Doron. I never thought that any place could provide the framework for my own personal and religious growth the way that Israel did, until I found the Ziegler school. Now I was truly at the end of the West.

At first, I lamented our loss, having left our family and friends in the Holy Land. But eventually Los Angeles began to feel like home, a place that provided challenge and opportunity like Israel had before. Though my heart will always reside in the East, part of it found a home here in the West.

PRESENTER: Rabbi Adam Kligfeld

My praise of Uri Allen echoes a teaching he taught me, an insight from the Maharal of Prague on the symbolism of matzah. If it is truly the bread of affliction, ללל , why would taskmasters feed such impoverished bread to slaves expected to work so tirelessly? Rather, matzah is the bread needed by someone on the verge of freedom: A bread that is humble; a bread of essentials. Uri Allen’s rabbinate exemplifies such a bread of freedom. He is a person of essentials, exhibiting a humility that inspires, while also possessing talent and drive which helps make those around him feel that the upcoming journey is worthy and leading to fulfilled promise.

But there is a difference. Matzah stays two-dimensional perpetually. It represents only the beginning of growth. Uri’s depth, substance, and self-knowledge are three-dimensional, at least. His teaching and singing warms the soul. His presence in delicate moments confers ease and serenity. Being humble is the first part of humility; the second part is knowing, harnessing and being grateful for the many gifts God has endowed. It is a profound joy for me to present one in whom God has endowed both modesty and grandeur: Rabbi Uri Allen.

D’ROR ISAAC CHANKIN-GOULD

There are dreams so impossible, that the broken heart obscures even the possibility of fulfillment. But miracles do occur, forcing even the greatest cynic to believe in change and hope. Today, my most precious dream is coming true.

Today, I reach into my heart and out into the Universe. I grasp the little boy’s hand who believes he is unlovable because he is

Gay. Today, I tell him: “God loves you just the way you are. Darkness does fade into Light.”

When I was afraid to dream, there were angels who dreamt for me: my family, my rabbis, my friends. I would have given up without you. When I was powerless, there were those who fought on my behalf. To those who refused to release the Angel of Justice until Blessing and Truth emerged: I promise to teach a Torah of Love in your names.

There are partners along the path who taught me to dance and to sing. You taught me a joy I never knew was possible. Thank you. When I was seventeen, on a lonely mountaintop, I cried out to the One. God, You held me and I knew You loved me. I will praise Your love all the days of my life.

PRESENTER: Reb Mimi Feigelson

Rabbi Artson, it is my honor and privilege to present D’ror Yitzchak ben David Moshe HaCohen v’Dvorah Rachel as Rav u’Moreh b’Yisrael.

There isn’t a written word, whether in the Jewish tradition, or other faith traditions that speak of a life of service and human dignity that can’t be seen as sharing the light of your soul.

Dror Yitzchak, you are not only relentless in your attempt to reveal those secret pockets of God’s light in your own being, you support those who fear to uncover their masks and promise them partnership as they claim their voice in the world. Your glance into the world creates, in your eyes, a space for others to reflect back and reveal their truth.

You dance in the world with courage, silently demanding this of others. Demanding of God to return to His primordial vision of “The Two Great Lights”, a vision in which all people, races, and gender orientations are equally God’s Great Lights and God’s Loved Ones. The blessed family you inherited and your family with David Ya’akov and Matan Yosef are both testimony of such a world.

Though there are those tonight that can “hear the angels snapping” I see the angels crying tears of joy and dancing around you. These tears and dance I pray we share for the rest of our lives to come!

ORDINANDS 2013

1. Uri David Allen השירומו ןבואר לאינד ברה ןב דוד ירוא

2. D'ror Isaac Chankin-Gould לחר הרובדו ןהכה השמ דוד ןב קחצי רורד

3. Joshua Adam Corber הביל הליבו ךלמ םייח ןב עשוהי ףסוי

4. Daniel Shalom Kaiman הקברו דוד ברה ןב לאינד

5. Marc Adam Kraus הקברו בקעי ןב ןטפש םדא

6. Matthew Todd Rosenberg המולבו לאי ןב היבט לדנמ םחנמ

7. Rachel Miriam Safman תידעו יול תב םירמ לחר

8. Jessica Shafrin הרש הרופצו רזאלא דוד תב תימלש רמת

9. Scott Michael Shafrin היתבו סחנפ ןב ןועמשREB MIMI FEIGELSON Ordinand: D'ror Isaac Chankin-‐Gould

"כי עמך מקור חיים, באורך נראה אור" (תהילים לו')(

Rabbi Artson, it is my honor and privilege to present Dror Yitzchak ben David Moshe HaCohen v’Dvorah Rachel as Rav u’Moreh b’Yisrael. There isn’t a written word, whether in the Jewish tradition, or other faith traditions that speak of a life of service and human dignity that can’t be seen as sharing the light of your soul. Dror Yitzchak, you are not only relentless in your attempt to reveal those secret pockets of God’s light in your own being, you support those who fear to uncover their masks and promise them partnership as they claim their voice in the world. Your glance into the world creates, in your eyes, a space for others to reflect back and reveal their truth. You dance in the world with courage, silently demanding this of others. Demanding of God to return to His primordial vision of “The Two Great Lights”, a vision in which all people, races, and gender orientations are equally God’s Great Lights and God’s Loved Ones. The blessed family you inherited and your family with David Ya’akov and Matan Yosef are both testimony of such a world. Though there are those tonight that can “hear the angels snapping” I see the angels crying tears of joy and dancing around you. These tears and dance I pray we share for the rest of our lives to come! (חנה סנש) "אלי, אלי, שלא יגמר לעולם"

REB MIMI FEIGELSON Ordinand: D'ror Isaac Chankin-‐Gould

"כי עמך מקור חיים, באורך נראה אור" (תהילים לו')(

Rabbi Artson, it is my honor and privilege to present Dror Yitzchak ben David Moshe HaCohen v’Dvorah Rachel as Rav u’Moreh b’Yisrael. There isn’t a written word, whether in the Jewish tradition, or other faith traditions that speak of a life of service and human dignity that can’t be seen as sharing the light of your soul. Dror Yitzchak, you are not only relentless in your attempt to reveal those secret pockets of God’s light in your own being, you support those who fear to uncover their masks and promise them partnership as they claim their voice in the world. Your glance into the world creates, in your eyes, a space for others to reflect back and reveal their truth. You dance in the world with courage, silently demanding this of others. Demanding of God to return to His primordial vision of “The Two Great Lights”, a vision in which all people, races, and gender orientations are equally God’s Great Lights and God’s Loved Ones. The blessed family you inherited and your family with David Ya’akov and Matan Yosef are both testimony of such a world. Though there are those tonight that can “hear the angels snapping” I see the angels crying tears of joy and dancing around you. These tears and dance I pray we share for the rest of our lives to come! (חנה סנש) "אלי, אלי, שלא יגמר לעולם"

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9. Scott Michael Shafrin היתבו סחנפ ןב ןועמש

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RABBI ADAM KLIGFLED Ordinand: Uri David Allen My praise of Uri Allen echoes a teaching he taught me, an insight from the Maharal of

Prague on the symbolism of matzah. If it is truly the bread of affliction, ,לחם עני why would

taskmasters feed such impoverished bread to slaves expected to work so tirelessly?

Rather, matzah is the bread needed by someone on the verge of freedom: A bread that is

humble; a bread of essentials. Uri Allen’s rabbinate exemplifies such a bread of freedom.

He is a person of essentials, exhibiting a humility that inspires, while also possessing talent

and drive which helps make those around him feel that the upcoming journey is worthy

and leading to fulfilled promise.

But there is a difference. Matzah stays two-‐dimensional perpetually. It represents only the

beginning of growth. Uri’s depth, substance, and self-‐knowledge are three-‐dimensional, at

least. His teaching and singing warms the soul. His presence in delicate moments confers

ease and serenity. Being humble is the first part of humility; the second part is knowing,

harnessing and being grateful for the many gifts God has endowed. It is a profound joy for

me to present one in whom God has endowed both modesty and grandeur: Rabbi Uri Allen.


JOSHUA ADAM CORBER

I grew up in Vancouver, British Columbia. I have a deep love of poetry and music, which eventually led to an interest in mysticism and spirituality. While exploring Eastern and Native American traditions, I became gradually aware of the deep spirituality contained within my own Hebrew heritage. This sparked a passionate pursuit of Judaism and led to my majoring in Religion, Literature and the Arts at the University of British Columbia. My entry

point into formal Jewish observance was through Reiki, a Japanese meditative/healing art I had studied in Vancouver and practiced in Edinburgh, Scotland. After working in the Vancouver Jewish Community for a few years, I went to Jerusalem to study Hebrew and sacred texts at the Pardes Institute, and eventually came to study Rabbinics at the Ziegler School. I am passionate about fitness, the outdoors, meditation and global justice. I look forward to a career in the Rabbinate, helping communities and individuals to find their voice and take ownership over their spiritual life and their Judaism.

PRESENTER: Rabbi Aaron Alexander

What do you get when pure energy, embodied joy, and honest passion meet Torah? Joshua Corber. What happens when the world’s eternal creativity allows for a diverse combination of traditional piety, mysticism, and renewal? Joshua Corber.

In a time where so many people look both ways before showing their love for God, Torah and Israel, Joshua fully embraces that which is before him, and harnesses the eclectic elements of life into a religious box that is both defined and elastic, grounded yet upwardly striving.

There is no doubt that Joshua’s rabbinate will breathe into our communities a sacred freshness imbued with ancient wisdom. It is for this and so much more that I am honored to call him my student and my colleague.

DANIEL SHALOM KAIMAN

I used to tell myself and the world that I would never become a rabbi. It was intimidating. It was daunting. It was a dream. With the conclusion of my studies and this stage of the journey, I’m so grateful to the people in my life who saw my rabbinate begin to blossom long before I could admit it myself.

To my parents and family - your home, your love and your endless dreaming inspires me to no end. You see my passion for Judaism and create opportunities for me to learn, grow and develop on my own terms. Thank you.

To my communities - camp, synagogue, school - your warmth, innovation and creativity show me that there is immense possibility in the fabric of communal experience. You allow me to create, let me shine and pick me up when I fall. Thank you.

To my teachers - my rabbis, my friends - your wisdom, sensitivity and relentless drive are the models by which I live. You let me experiment, allow me to imitate, and demonstrate how I can make it all my own. Thank you.

To Rachel - you show me that dreams can become reality. Let’s dream together. Thank you.

PRESENTER: Rabbi David S. Kaiman

It is my pleasure to present Daniel Shalom Kaiman. The rabbis taught that “All who serve on behalf of the community should do so for Heaven’s Sake - L’shem Shamayim - for then the merit of the ancestors will rest upon them.” The work of teacher and rabbi can only be done in the spirit of great responsibility to the highest authority with the knowledge that everything we teach comes from those generations long before us. Today it is my honor to stand with Daniel Kaiman who is, without question, a natural leader and teacher. He has demonstrated, in commitment, effort, and deep passion, the knowledge that this work will be for the highest good. His mother and I are privileged to see him this day carry forward the heritage of what we received and so lovingly passed forward.

May the rewards of heaven fall on him, his future family, and all his students from this day forward.

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MARC ADAM KRAUS

I always hoped this day would come, but I could never have predicted the path that led me here or that it would lead me to Conservative Judaism. In my mind, this day represents the choices I’ve made to take a stand on issues of justice and to take ownership of our tradition by having a hand in crafting its future. I don’t think I ever dreamed I could become a pastor, but sometimes our own best selves are locked up deep inside.

My gratitude goes out to my teachers. The gifts you have given me – your wisdom, kindness, feedback and support – have been invaluable. I cannot thank you enough.

My thanks go out to my family and friends, especially those who have traveled long distances to be here today. Your support has been such a blessing as I’ve struggled to find my way; you have my love and thanks.

Finally, I would like to express my deep gratitude and love for my parents, Tina and Michael Kraus, for having brought me to this day. You’ve instilled in me a deep love of Judaism and Jewish values; your examples of stoicism and fortitude will be with me all my life.

PRESENTER: Rabbi Arye Berk

Rabbis are known for being loquacious. Rabbi Marc Adam Kraus has the gift of being a listener. You feel Marc take your words not only into his ears, but into his heart. The response you will receive from Marc will automatically assure you that your words have been heard, understood and felt. When Marc shares his love for Torah, we the listeners cannot help but be engaged by his passion. Marc understands where people stand on their ladder of learning and Mitzvot and teaches and reacts accordingly with wisdom and maturity. Rabbi Kraus inspires congregants when he prays, by davening with a refreshing passion for the conversation he is engaged in with the Master of the World. Our world needs leaders and teachers who model for us all the pursuit of peace in their teachings.

Abraham Joshua Heschel said “Judaism is an answer to man’s ultimate questions, and unless we understand those questions, we cannot even recognize the answers.” Rabbi Kraus is a rabbi that allows people to explore those “ultimate questions.”

May we all be blessed to follow and continue to be students of Rabbi Kraus as he enters into his rabbinate and spreads his love for Torah and Judaism into the world.

MATTHEW TODD ROSENBERG

What a wild ride it has been. With my gastronomical Jewish upbringing, the odds were against me ending up here today. However, in retrospect, the Jewish principle of “Do not stand idly by the blood of your neighbor” (Leviticus 19:16) is something that I have always lived by. I began helping others in high school as a volunteer firefighter, as well as a CPR and first aid instructor. This led me to a

career in the Red Cross as a disaster director, helping victims of fires, earthquakes, and hurricanes.

At a Red Cross class I met Jen, now my wife of 17 years, who helped me rediscover Judaism. It was Jen who suggested a year of study in Israel to prepare for the rabbinate. I truly would not be here without her constant love and support. She is an amazing wife, mother, and friend.

I also would like to thank Rabbis Stewart Vogel, Reuven Taff, Jonathan Jaffe Bernhard, and Deborah Silver for their guidance and mentorship over the course of this transformative process. I am so blessed to have the encouragement of my wife Jen, our three children (Zachary, Benjamin, and Talia), and my extended family.

PRESENTERS: Rabbi Jonathan Bernhard Rabbi Deborah Silver

Shammai teaches: Make a habit of learningTorah. Say little, Do much, And greet everyone with a smile.

Many of our congregants encountered Matt as he sat in a meeting room. Surrounded by computer and books he waited for one (or more) of his children to come out of our ECC, reluctant to waste even a single moment of potential study time.

Others discovered him as a teacher. His students came to know a thoughtful listener, sincere and truthful.

Still others benefited from his actions. One never knows quite what mitzvot Matt is engaged in. Quietly and assiduously he volunteers his time, attention and expertise to mend the broken places in the world.

Most of all, it’s impossible to think of Matt without seeing that smile. Ready, open and compassionate all together, it lights up his whole face.

Matt, today you walk away from the bimah a leader in Israel. May today’s joy radiate in your heart; you deserve it. We pray you never forget the richness of your gifts. And while you may be everything Shammai desired, we hope that your words and your deeds will always be received....like Hillel!

Be-kavod rav

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RACHEL MIRIAM SAFMAN

My Jewish journey began in a small congregation in Gaithersburg, Maryland, where a group of committed parents, including my mother, were inspired to create a space for Jewish life where there was none. Following their model, I took on an active community role, teaching Bnei Mitzvah students in high school and leading Hillel groups and minyanim during my undergraduate years at Harvard

and doctoral studies at Cornell. Little did I realize that these volunteer commitments would someday be my full-time vocation.

When my career as a sociologist led me to Asia, I again assumed an active role in the local Jewish communities, leading religious services, teaching classes, and organizing community-wide educational and cultural events. As the tenure deadline at the National University of Singapore loomed, my Jewish leadership activities still beckoned and I had to decide which of these passions would govern my life moving forward. I heeded the call to Torah.

Throughout my journey, I have been accompanied by great souls who have taught, supported and inspired me: My rabbis and mentors, Lenny Thal, Ilana Grinblat and Dan Shevitz; my teacher, Ziony Zevit; my companion on this journey, my chevruta, Dror; my partner in life, my husband Daniel and my future, Yair.

PRESENTER: Rabbi Lenny Thal

If one were to look up the word “diligent” in the Oxford English Dictionary, it would not be surprising to find a photo of Rachel Safman. Of course, the same might be said for many other entries such as empathetic, intelligent, dedicated, sensitive, and even that descriptor we all prize, namely “menschlich.”

I am honored to present Rachel Safman for ordination after her years of study at American Jewish University. I am also deeply pleased (and relieved!) that after our partnership in years past when she was President and I was the Visiting Rabbi of our Progressive Congregation in Singapore, she still considers me as her mentor rather than as her tormentor! I can easily imagine how much the AJU faculty enjoyed having Rachel as a student, undoubtedly experiencing her as a person with an inquiring mind and with deep respect for the Tradition – and the traditions – of our people. Together with many other rabbis she has encountered along the way, I – we now will have the pleasure of calling her “our colleague.”

Rachel, may you always be a blessing to your family, your circle of friends, and to those who look to you for rabbinic leadership.

JESSICA SHAFRIN

“You find that a man is given three names: one that his father and mother call him, one that his fellow men call him, and one that he acquires.” (Tanhuma, Va-yakhel)

As I stand on the verge of acquiring my new title of Rav, I appreciate the name that my parents and family have given me. Being taught at an early age of the intrinsic godliness that we all have has

opened my heart and soul and prepared me for my journey. The love for Judaism that surrounded our home connected me to generations past, present and future, as well as people around the world.

I stand in gratitude of that which my clients and peers have helped me learn. The Beit T’shuvah family has comforted me as I grow.

My teachers, as broad as the term is, have shown me the path of what it means to live in humility, to judge justly and love unconditionally. I approach this day with my chevruta, my besheret, my husband, Scott, by my side and I am thankful to him for the endless support that he continues to provide.

PRESENTER: Rabbi Aaron Alexander

It takes a mountain of strength for an individual to constantly look inward - in a world so focused on externals - in order to grow into the best possible version of one’s self. I have known Jessica Shafrin for quite some time and am constantly inspired by her remarkable ability to imagine a reality and then work tirelessly to actualize it.

Jessica has become not only a master of our rabbinic tradition, but a thoughtful, present, and deeply engaging teacher who deftly creates space within herself to embrace the joy, pain, and transformation of others. And she does this while authentically retaining her infectious sense of humor and steadfast loyalty to those loved ones who share in her journey. I am proud to call Jessica my friend, student, and now colleague.


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SCOTT MICHAEL SHAFRIN

We thank you Adonai, our God, for giving us the mere ability to show our gratitude. (Babylonian Talmud, Sotah 40b)

One of my favorite parts of Jewish ritual has always been the blessings that we incorporate into the seemingly mundane events of daily life, creating moments to pause and express gratitude for all that I

have. At this moment of transition, I also need to pause and show my appreciation for my life’s many blessings.

I am blessed with an amazing family who has given me joy and incredible support throughout my life. The members of the many communities who blessed me by inviting me into their joys and sorrows, especially everyone at Temple Aliyah, who have treated me like one of their own. My rabbis and teachers at Ziegler have given me not only their wisdom and compassion, but the courage to have faith in myself, my tradition, and the unique Torah I have to teach.

Most importantly, I have been blessed with a chevruta for life, my wonderful wife Jessica. You are my rock and my biggest fan, and I love you dearly.

PRESENTER: Rabbi Stewart Vogel

Scott, I cannot tell you the great honor I feel in presenting you for ordination. In the two years you have served as the rabbinic intern at Temple Aliyah, you have blossomed into a remarkable rabbi. You have taken the raw materials that God gave you of wisdom, kindness, and sensitivity, and helped hone them into the qualities that define your rabbinate. You have earned the love, admiration and respect of our community. Through your work with our teens, your teaching and sharing in the ebbs and flows of synagogue life, you have truly earned the title Rabbi.

Scott - Moses and Aaron became leaders of excellence only after they engaged the people and shared their struggles. Rabbinical school gave you the tools you needed, but I believe it was through your work at Temple Aliyah that you are now prepared to wear the mantle of rabbi. With passion like Moses and compassion like Aaron, you stand in a long tradition of Jewish leadership. With these qualities guiding you, you are now prepared to go out and serve the Jewish people with the title Rabbi. I will always cherish our friendship and am now so proud to call you a colleague.

ORDINANDS 2013










The Ziegler School would like to thank...

Ziegler EndowmentsAbner and Roslyn Goldstine Dean’s Chair • Roslyn and Abner Goldstine Braun Family Job Search Week in New York. • Dr. David Braun Rabbi Aaron S. and Jeanne Gold Endowment Fund • Rabbi Aaron S. (z”l) and Jeanne Gold Roslyn Goldstine Year-In-Israel Scholarship • Roslyn and Abner Goldstine Jacoby Family Scholarship Endowment • Lela and Dr. Norman Jacoby Charlotte and Dr. Ed Kamenir Scholarship Endowment • Charlotte and Ed Kamenir Bet Midrash Sara v’Simcha • Sara and Simcha Lainer (z”l) Mt. Sinai Memorial Park’s Endowed Course in Pastoral Counseling • Mt. Sinai Memorial Park Rachel Sidis Peters Scholarship • Eileen Farley Morris J. Pollack Memorial Scholarship Endowment • Fradene Pollack and Family Harvey (z”l) and Jean Powell Adjunct Professorship, Ziegler School • Harvey (z”l) and Jean Powell Rabbi Yaakov Rosenberg Memorial Scholarship • Anonymous Sinai Temple/Sinai Akiba Scholarship Endowment Fund

Sara and Dr. David AftergoodDaniel P. AlderMr. and Mrs. Paul and Herta AmirAbigail and Jonathan AnschellRicki and Zane AverbachSmadar BabchuckSanford and Phyllis BeimDr. Michael G. and Melissa BerenbaumBruce and Marilyn BerkowitzStephen and Jill BirchLeon and Harriet BolotinMelissa Held Bordy Harriet Rossetto and Rabbi Mark J. BorovitzDr. Robert E. Braitman and Ms. Bonnie A. GordonJulie and Steven BramBradley and Nicole BrooksRuby and Dr. Gerald BubisMartin and Susan ChetlenMolly Cohen

David H. CohenBee and Jacques CohenDvorah Colker Barbara and Allen ConradRussel Yael DanielsDoris and Joseph Del BourgoBonnie Smigel-Derin and Greg DerinDeborah Eisen and Joel WeinsteinChristine A. FeneckArnold D. FeuersteinTom and Judy FleshLaura C. FlickerArthur FlickerDr. Marji and Richard FondBarry and Robbin FreemanRonald H. GersonJonas GoldbergCathrine and Lawrence H. GoldbergAbigail Goldman and Jonathan Anschell

Roslyn and Abner GoldstineLouis and Deborah GonzalezSandra and William S. GoodglickFrancine GordonNorman and Rachel GreenMark Greenberg Julia E. and David GreenwaldEarl GreinetzBradford and Sharon GrobClaire GrotskyLorri GumsLaurence HarrisCarol and Steven HenryDavid HilburnKarn HoldychEllis and Angela HorvitzAlan IserFrank and Stephanie JacobsonLela and Dr. Norman Jacoby

Ziegler Annual Donors - Organizations

Ma’alei Ziegler Donors 2012-2013Sandy and Phyllis BeimMelissa Held BordyJoseph and Lacine HeldRobert and Lisa HeldRoslyn and Abner GoldstineLela and Norman JacobySheila and Aaron LeibovicAmy and Harold MasorJulie and Marc PlattBart Kogan

Adas Israel CongregationAdath Jeshurun CongregationAnkcorn Law FirmBernard Osher Jewish Philanthropies Foundation of the Jewish Community Endowment FundBet Shira CongregationBeth Am SynagogueBeth ElBeth El CongregationBeth Jacob SynagogueBeth JudeaBeth Meyer SynagogueBeth Sholom SynagogueB’nai ShalomChizuk Amuno CongregationCommunity Foundation of Jewish Federation of Orange CountyCongregation Agudat AchimCongregation Beth DavidCongregation Kol EmethCongregation Agudas AchimCongregation Beth AmCongregation Beth MeierCongregation Beth Yeshurun

Congregation B’nai AmoonaCongregation B’nai IsraelCongregation Bnai ShalomCongregation Brith ShalomCongregation Etz ChaimCongregation Habonim Inc.Congregation Har ShalomCongregation Netivot ShalomCongregation Neveh ShalomCongregation Ohav ShalomCongregation Sha’arey IsraelDart-L FoundationFGI FoundationFidelity Charitable Gift FundHar-Zion CongregationHealth Advocates, LLPHeld FoundationHerzl-Ner TamidHeska Amuna SynagogueIsrael Center of Conservative JudaismJewish Community Center of HarrisonJewish Community Foundation - San DiegoJewish Community Foundation Donor Designated FundsJewish Theological Seminary

Mar Vista Entertainment, INC.Midway Jewish CenterMorristown Jewish CenterNational Federation of Jewish Men’s ClubsNorman and Lela Beren Jacoby Family FoundationNorth Suburban Synagogue Beth ElShomrei Torah SynagogueSinai Temple SisterhoodSinai Temple/Sinai Akiba AcademySurf City SynagogueTarnoff Family FoundationTemple Aliyah, Inc.Temple Beth AmTemple Emanu-ElTemple Judea of Laguna HillsTemple Ramat ZionTemple TorahThe Brand Foundation of New York, Inc.The Smotrich Family FoundationTiferet Bet IsraelTifereth Israel CongregationWomen’s League for Conservative Judaism- Pacific SouthwestWomen’s League of Conservative Judaism

Ziegler Annual Donors - Individuals

Blanca JensenBeverly and Marvin KaimanSanford S. KaplanMannon KaplanHarvey and Pearl KaplanDeborah Kattler Kupetz and David KupetzFrances KatzRebecca and David KekstMichael and Keren KesnerCharna KleinCheryl and Michael KnoffBart KoganHannah F. and Marshall F. KramerDr. Harold and Rose KravitzEleanor and Mark LainerMort and Iris LaskyJerry and Linda LebovitzSaul and Elsie LeemanAaron and Sheila LeibovicAlan LettofskySandra LevinsonMichael LevinsonMiriam LincoffDr. Baruch and Teri LinkMark Loeterman and Nancy ColeEric J. MackBeverly W. MagidsonCarol and Melvyn MallerSharon L. MargolinGabriel Markiz and Randi Alberts-MarkizAmy and Harold MasorDr. Martin Mendelsohn and Golda Mendelsohn

Louis and Judith MillerLenna K. MorrisRachel MossMyra and Bruce H. NewmanBarbro and Bernard OsherDr. Solomon and Debra PerloHoward and Katherine PilchJulie and Marc PlattHoward and Sue PlattDalia and Rabbi Shalom PodwolDavid and Marion PollockSteven and Lisa PompanSheri and Marc RapaportEvan and Renee RavichBea ReynoldsMarvin RichardsonBeatrice and Walter RicheimerDavid and Natalie RobertsGeorge and Linda RomanoJacquiline RondinelliBrina RosenbaumEdwin M. and Tobie RosenbergClaire RosenbergJamie and Kenneth RosenbloodNira K. RostonMorris RubensteinJudith RubinWilliam and Marian SafranMichal and Kenneth SalkinJeffrey and Rachelle SchwartzmanMyra and Wallace ShapiroFrances Shapiro

Bruce and Marcy ShapiroDr. William and Sondra SingerLori Ann Singer-Bolotin z”lBarbara Schecter and Rabbi Jonathan SlaterSusan SmithMehry and Dr. Marvin SmotrichLawrence N. SolomonLinda Kaplan Spitz and Rabbi Eli SpitzNadina and Fernando SzewGary M. TenzerDr. Joel J. Teplinsky and Arleen TeplinskyDebra and Shlomo TsadokRhoda UngerRodi and Rabbi Stewart VogelSteve and Gayle WaldmanJana Leigh and Perry WallackShari and Michael WeinerMr. and Mrs. Tamir M. WeinerDonald and Helene S. WeinstockSelma WeintraubAlan and Janice WeissmanRichard and Helen WestonLelano E. WiederIrvin and Kathy WiseOrna and Keenan L. WolensJeffrey and Lesley WolmanAriel WolpeGraetz T. YehudaMerritt S. Yoelin z”lAmy and Michael Zeldin

Ziegler Annual Donors - Individuals con’t.

Rabbi Kassel AbelsonRabbi Daniel P. AlderRabbi Morris AllenRabbi Mark AnkcornRabbi Elan BabchuckRabbi George BarnardRabbi Sarah B. BarukhRabbi Haim D. BeliakRabbi Allan BerkowitzRabbi Alvin Berkun Rabbi Edward BernsteinRabbi Mark J. BismanRabbi David BoothRabbi Geoffrey D. BotnickRabbi Sharon BrousRabbi Ivan CaineRabbi Ari CartunRabbi Gary CharlesteinRabbi Geoffrey ClaussenRabbi Menachem E. CreditorRabbi Mark S. DiamondRabbi Wayne DosickRabbi Matthew Earne

Rabbi Robert EisenRabbi Gideon EstesRabbi Patricia L. FentonRabbi Alon FerencyRabbi Shawn Fields-MeyerRabbi Michelle Fisher Rabbi Abe Friedman and Rebecca KrasnerRabbi Baruch Frydman-KohlRabbi Robyn FryerRabbi Scott GlassRabbi Jonas GoldbergRabbi Meir GoldsteinRabbis Amy and Alexander GreenbaumRabbi Adam R. GreenwaldRabbi Daniel GreyberRabbi Eliezer Havivi Rabbi Elizabeth HeydmannRabbi Sherre Z. HirschRabbi Alan IserRabbi Raphael KanterRabbi Herbert Kavon

Rabbi Michael KnopfRabbi Randall J. KonigsburgRabbi Vernon KurtzRabbi Alan LettofskyRabbi Sheldon J. LewisRabbi Shalom LewisRabbi Micah Liben Rabbi Beverly W. MagidsonRabbi Richard MargolisRabbi Joseph M. MenasheRabbi Mordecai MillerRabbi Steven MorgenRabbi Lionel MosesRabbi Gary E. OrenRabbi Scott PerloRabbi Shalom PodwolRabbi Marvin RichardsonRabbi Yaacov RoneRabbi David Rosen Rabbi Eric M. RosinRabbi Moshe J. RothblumRabbi Tobias RothenbergRabbi Morris Rubenstein

Rabbinic Friends and Joint Campaign Donors

This list is for gifts received from January 1st, 2012 through May 7th, 2013. We also wish to acknowledge those people who have made gifts-in-kind as well as those who have made gifts not included on this list. We remain grateful to those individuals who have named the American Jewish University or the Ziegler School in their wills or other estate plans. For information, please call Rabbi Jay Strear at 310-440-1204.

Rabbi Robert RubinRabbi Michael SafraRabbi Neil S. SandlerRabbi Daniel SatlowRabbi George SchlesingerRabbi Julie SchonfeldRabbi Brian SchuldenfreiRabbi Michael SchwabRabbi Jack SegalRabbi Ahud SelaRabbi Rachel ShereRabbi Deborah SilverRabbi Harry A. Silverstein Rabbi Reuven TaffRabbi Michael N. UngarRabbi Jonathan WaxmanRabbi Arthur WeinerRabbi Risa F. WeinsteinRabbi Miriam WeiselRabbi Steven Zacharow

Administration and Faculty

ZIEGLER SCHOOL OF RABBINIC STUDIESMELISSA HELD BORDY, Chairman of the Board

BRADLEY SHAVIT ARTSON, Abner and Roslyn Goldstine Dean’s Chair

CHERYL PERETZ, Associate Dean

AARON ALEXANDER, Associate Dean

MIMI FEIGELSON, Mashpiah Ruchanit

JOSEPH MARTIN MENASHE, Director, Camp Ramah

ADAM GREENWALD, Director, Louis and Judith Miller Introduction to Judaism Program

AMERICAN JEWISH UNIVERSITYROBERT WEXLER, President

KEVIN RATNER, Chairman of the Board

JAY STREAR, Sr. Vice President, Chief Advancement Officer

STUART J. SIGMAN, Provost, Chief Academic Officer

ZOFIA YALOVSKY, Vice President, Finance, Administration & Technology

GADY LEVY, Vice President, Whizin Center for Continuing Education

IRIS WASKOW, Associate Vice President, Communications

SAM LEVITT, Sr. Director, Facilities & Auxiliaries

ELLIOT DORFF, Rector

ZIEGLER SCHOOL OF RABBINIC STUDIESFACULTY & ADMINISTRATION

Aaron Alexander................................................................ Associate Dean, Ziegler School;

Lecturer in Rabbinic Studies and Jewish Law

Liora Alkalay....................................................................... Coordinator, Hebrew Program

Lauren Applebaum....................................Associate Dean, Graduate Center for Education

Bradley Shavit Artson............... Vice President; Abner and Roslyn Goldstine Dean’s Chair;

Lecturer in Philosophy

Kathryn Avila................................................. Faculty Secretary, Academic Administration

John Carrier.............................................................................. Advancement Consultant

Sara Berman.................................................................... Lecturer in Practical Rabbinics

Richard Camras.................................................................. Lecturer in Practical Rabbinics

Aryeh Cohen.................................................. Associate Professor of Rabbinic Literature

Daniel (Ronnie) Cohen.................................................................... Lecturer in Rabbinics

Jacob Cunningham............................................................................. Lecturer in History

Janet Sternfeld Davis..................... Lecturer in Rabbinic Studies; Beit Midrash Coordinator

Elliot Dorff............... Rector; Sol & Anne Dorff Distinguished Service Professor in Philosophy

Mimi Feigelson............................... Mashpiah Ruchanit; Lecturer in Rabbinic Literature

Edward Feinstein............................................................... Lecturer in Practical Rabbinics

Nina Bieber Feinstein.......................................................... Lecturer in Practical Rabbinics

Patricia Fenton......................................Yoetzet Limudei Rabbanut; Lecturer in Rabbinics

Pinchas Giller........................................................... Professor in Medieval Jewish Thought

Edward Grice........................ Associate Dean, Graduate School of Nonprofit Management

Ilana Grinblat........................................................................ Lecturer in Rabbinic Studies

Lorri Gums........................................................................ ZSRS Administrative Assistant

Sarah Har-Shalom............................................................................... Lecturer in Hebrew

Yehuda M. Hausman......................................................... Lecturer in Bible and Rabbinics

Abraham Havivi.................................................... Lecturer in Bible and Practical Rabbinics

BOARD OF DIRECTORSMelissa Held Bordy

David BraunGreg David DerinRoslyn GoldstineAdam GreenwaldLela B. Jacoby

David KekstBarton H. Kogan

Mark LainerAaron J. LeibovicJeffrey L. Levine Virginia Maas

Renee RavichTobie RosenbergKenneth Salkin

Sandor E. SamuelsJulie Schonfeld

Jay Strear

Harold L. MasorJoseph Martin Menashe

Mike MillsHoward Pilch

Julie PlattColin PullanKevin Ratner

Alan WeissmanRita WertliebRobert WexlerKeenan WolensLesley WolmanRuth Ziegler

Gail Labovitz........................................................ Associate Professor in Rabbinic Studies

Sam Levitt..................................... .........Senior Director, Facilities and Auxiliary Services

Candice Levy......................................................................... Lecturer in Rabbinic Studies

Nina Lieberman........................ Dean, Graduate School of Nonprofit Management; Lecturer

Baruch Link......................................................... Adjunct Associate Professor in Hebrew

Rusty Madison-Meyer.............................................. Scheduling and Logistics Coordinator

Sharon Margolin.............................................. Assistant, Introduction to Judaism Program

Paul A. Miller......................................................................................... Director of Library

Cheryl Peretz................. Associate Dean, Ziegler School; Lecturer in Practical Rabbinics

Lesley Plachta....................................................................... Sr. Director of Advancement

Joel Rembaum.................................................................................... Lecturer in History

Mira Rosenthal................................................................................... Lecturer in Hebrew

Jasmine Ross....................................................... Coordinator, Office of Academic Affairs

Daniel Shevitz................................................................................. Lecturer in Rabbinics

Stuart J. Sigman.............................................................. Provost, Chief Academic Office

Elie Silver........................................................ Assistant, Introduction to Judaism Program

Miriam Heller Stern.................................................. Dean, Graduate Center for Education

Jay Strear................................................... Sr. Vice President, Chief Advancement Officer

Iris Waskow ................................................... Associate Vice President, Communications

Arnie Weisberg................................................................................................. Registrar

Robert Wexler.............. President; Lou & Irma Colen Distinguished Service Lecturer in Bible

Ronald Wolfson....................................................................... Professor, Fingerhut School

Zofia Yalovsky............................... Vice President, Finance, Administration and Technology

Larisa Zadoyen.............................................................................. Director, Financial Aid

Ziony Zevit..... Distinguished Professor in Bible Literature and Northwest Semitic Languages

Era Zwickel..................................................... Lecturer of Advanced Hebrew Expression

Mission Statements

AMERICAN JEWISH UNIVERSITY Education demands innovation...

–Talmud, Hagigah

Our Core Values:

• Learning and Scholarship ( ): We believe in the principle of Torah l’Sh’mah - Learning as an Intellectual and Inspirational Endeavor–that embraces both academic scholarship and the efforts of all Jews to explore their shared heritage through the formal and informal study of Judaism and the other great civilizations of the world.

• Culture (): We acknowledge that Judaism is a flourishing civilization with a culture that isfundamental to modern Jewish identity. We strive to advance that culture by encouraging artistic endeavor in all of its many forms.

• Ethics (): We recognize that ethics are the language of Judaism and its most important link to the world at large.

• Leadership (): We understand that the future of Jewish life depends on the careful preparation of dedicated and impassioned individuals who are called to leadership.

• Peoplehood (): We are a pluralistic institution that embraces diversity within Judaism and values the contributions of all groups to the growth of Jewish Civilization.

ZIEGLER SCHOOL OF RABBINIC STUDIES

The Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies fosters an unprecedented blend of academic rigor, emotionalwarmth and openness, traditional and innovative spirit in the service of God, Torah, and Israel. The School fuses the methods and findings of the academic studies of Judaism with the fervor and devotionof traditional study and observance. The school focuses on the journey of each rabbinical student to produce extraordinary rabbis to lead American Jewry into a renaissance of talmud Torah (learning), shmirat mitzvot (observance), and gemillut hasadim (acts of social justice and personal compassion). In this way, the School strengthens and energizes Conservative Judaism and Klal Yisrael.

Mission Statements

4662-ZIG-ORD PROGRAM[3035]_UJ-Rabbi Program 5/9/11 9:55 AM Page 11

1 5 6 0 0 M u l h o l l a n d D r i v e , B e l A i r , C A 9 0 0 7 7(310) 476-9777 ext. 248 ziegler.aju.edu

download full ordination booklet, here

Documents