Academy for Jewish Religion, California
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The Academy for Jewish Religion is a jewel beyond measure. Its teachers are of the highest caliber, spanning the spectrum from secular to Orthodox, dedicated to advancing the spiritual growth of every student with every assignment. Of course, the school must brag about its alumni in terms of career accomplishments in service to the Jewish community and the world, which are indeed impressive. But the truth is that, even if none of us ever put our studies to use in the workplace, the insights we gained, the friendships we made and the knowledge we absorbed made for life-changing, world-healing advancement for every one of us. I myself went from newspaper editor to rabbi/chaplain, a five-year trajectory that changed my life utterly. A blessing of deepest gratitude on AJR-CA.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
My life, and those of everyone else who attended.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Wave a magic wand and make it financially comfortable for many years to come.
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How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
How did you find this group?
It was near my home.
What, if any, change in your life has this group encouraged?
A whole new identity and outlook.
A positive contribution AJRCA is making in people's lives. How only he AJRCA could have prepared me for the work I do: Westwood Horizons is a retirement home in Los Angeles which has about 90% Jewish population. Since these Jews have come from all walks of life interms of their religious and cultural backgrounds and spiritual needs, as rabbi of this retirement residence, the AJRCA is the only place that could have possibly prepared me for the awesome task of engaging all seeking Jews in a unified Jewish experience. Coming to the AJR, for me, was to interface with both a multi-demoninational and a non-demoninational Jewish world. Each member of the faculty, student body, administration and board of the AJR all embrace the Judaism of personal choice, but yet, we all are equal building blocks to AJR's home; as no one tradition has more value or weight than the others. The retirees that I work with want Shabbat, holidays and holydays that blend tradition with the fresh spirit of the new century. They are not interested at this point in their lives, in the dogma of any one Jewish way or movement. The way we celebrate our Judaism is a direct result of my years of training at the AJR, and today, when seeking guidance, I draw upon the well of friends, colleagues and spiritual advisors of this great institution.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the exceedingly elevated support and wisdom of the faculty, the warm and nurturing camaraderie of the student body, the professional, friendly and caring concern of the administration, and the enthusiasm and devotion of the board.
Ways to make it better...
I had prepared myself more for the opportunities that I encountered as a student. I do not feel that I was able to adequately embrace all that was offered. I wish I would have sought counsel more during my student years.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
How can you teach something that can be seen, can't be measured, and can't be felt? By providing a faculty and administration of kind, caring, brilliant minds who patiently encourage and excite you to explore the richness of the Jewish heritage that has defied and withstood the test of time. AJRCA came into my life at a point that I felt I was too old to learn. I was always made to feel special, not different, even when surrounded by those whose levels of observance and belief varied greatly from mine. Talk about a school with Neshama! How many graduate institutions really reach out to develop your personal gifts? AJRCA did that and more for me. The school taught me to be more understanding, less judgemental and a better rabbi than I would have become at another institution. I applaud that they are constanly trying to improve and tweak all the classes through a rigorous review. Further, since the school offers transdenominational training for rabbis, cantors and chaplains, they are not tied to any specific movement allowing staff from every stream of Judaism to serve. It doesn't get any better! I enjoyed my time there so much that I am now proud to be part of the administration.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the caring mentoring of each individual. With the diversity of faculty, it is easy to find those to whom you relate easily and feel totally comfortable in showing your weaknesses.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
AJRCA fills an extremely important niche in the training of Jewish clergy, rabbis, cantors, and chaplains. As a mature transitioning professional, the academic program structure allowed me to become a Rabbi while working to sustain myself. The education that I received was comparable to that of other Jewish professional schools and has prepared me to serve the Jewish community in many capacities. I have been a volunteer on the Alumni Executive Board and have been able to mentor incoming students as well as serve the alumni community.
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
my ability to find work and serve the larger Jewish community as an educator and spiritual leader.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
expand the number of full time staff members handling various higher education functions. I would hire full time faculty as needed and expand the offerings of elective courses and individual classes or programs.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the relationship with the members of the community at the school, which includes the administration, the faculty, staff, students, alumni and board members.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
outstanding in every way, as mentors and guides, as coordinators of meaningful events, as supporters financially and in terms of service to the community.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
expand its services to its students, create a more reasonable schedule for its key administrators, and do more outreach to the LA community at large in terms of programs. It could also start an online program for its commuting students and alumni.
Ways to make it better...
the school had had more financial resources to provide scholarship funds to its students or to establish internship programs with the school.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
capacity building, fund raising, and bandwidth to provide quality programming. There is a need to articulate courses better from year to year and to provide quality feedback for internships and performance-based or field work courses.
One thing I'd also say is that...
the organization could use professional higher education administrators who understand broader uses of technology for both administrative and curriculum development work.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
This amazing institution of high level, dedicated teachers provided me with a superb rabbinic training, honoring my life and extensive work experience, allowing me to transition into the field of spiritual leadership in mid-life. A rigorous three-day-a-week program allowed me to maintain my work life and relationships at home in San Diego. while at the same time learning and building a log of new work experiences and professional relationships in Los Angeles. Most moving to me was the opportunity to study with brilliant teachers of all denominations--Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionis, and Renewal--receiving support for my rabbinic vocation even from rabbis in whose congregations I would not be allowed to work!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
its making it possible for me to step into a new career in the Jewish community, serving as a congregational rabbi and receiving ongoing support from colleagues and mentors.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
continue moving forward along the path of discernment in structuring the program; provide a more conscious introduction to various liturgies and prayer leadership styles.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
learning with and ongoing relationships with amazing colleagues and mentors in a trans-denominational environment.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
the most dedicated and spiritually advanced people, deservedly well known in their fields of rabbinics and scholarship, who offered their teaching with unparalleled love and devotion.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Refine and maintain one of the most spiritually grounded and academically rigorous yet liberal rabbinic, liberal cantorial, and chaplaincy programs in the country, regardless of fluctuations in students populations.
Ways to make it better...
An in-depth Hebrew training or ulpan had been part of the mekhinah requirements.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
establishing a firm financial base for going into the future with a student body that may shift in size and demographic as needs for clergy shift in a changing Jewish world.
One thing I'd also say is that...
AJRCA has quickly become a leader in the trans-denominational Jewish movement; its philosophy and spirit both reflect and are helping to shape the current spirit of exchange among Jewish denominations.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
Because of its unique program geared to individuals who have the responsibilities of work and/or family, the Academy for Jewish Religion, California, allowed me to commute from Las Vegas to Los Angeles to fulfill a life-long dream to become a Rabbi. Its transdenominational approach gave me the rounded education I sought; its superb faculty exposed me to some of the finest minds in the country; and my fellow students have become my colleagues as fellow clergy. The main recipients of my experience with AJR,CA have been the grateful and appreciative members of Valley Outreach Synagogue, the congregation for whom I have been the spiritual director since ordination.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
its training and the continued interaction with the school, alumni, and faculty.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the faculty, my fellow students, and the depth of the education I received.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
deeply dedicated.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
expand to a larger campus and create an on-line interactive educational component to its program.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
I had provided cantorial services for a congregation for many years. I commuted from San Jose to LA to attend AJR and received my rabbinic ordination May 2004. I learned much from my teachers and the other students who came from all of the streams of Jewish practice.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
my everyday work experience.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The vast body of learning and relationships built with faculty and students.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Engaging, supportive, wise and dedicated.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Serve many more students and increase the strength of the Jewish community.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
This is a unique institution for training Rabbi's Cantors and chaplains for all parts of the Jewish and broader community. It is structured to facilitate learning by people who work elsewhere while attending school. I myself have studied there and received ordination as a Rabbi/
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
preparing for my work as a chaplain and as a rabbi.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
An open environments to be taught by teachers from all backgrounds, and to be free to argue without dogma.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
provide support to the many small, scattered. Jewish communities that can't afford to hire professional help. It also could award scholarships to enable people to study who can;t afford to do so now.
Ways to make it better...
if it were better funded.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
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