Skokie Synagogue Renovation Reflects Congregation’s Recent Renaissance
The renovation of Skokie Valley Agudath Jacob reflects its transformation into a more inclusive Orthodox Jewish congregation under the leadership of Rabbi Ari Hart (’12).
The Making of a Rabbi: Nissan Antine
Rabbi Nissan Antine, 44, leads Beth Sholom Congregation and Talmud Torah in Potomac. He’s an Orthodox rabbi guiding an Orthodox synagogue. But Antine still likes to quote one of his former teachers, Rabbi Avi Weiss, the founder of the Open Orthodoxy movement, which calls for more flexibility and interpretation with...
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Finance, rabbinics and practical experience fuel L.A. Jewish community foundation’s new top exec
Even in laid-back Los Angeles, the full-size surfboard propped upright in Rabbi Aaron Lerner’s (YCT ’13) office stands out — the board nods to the CEO’s enjoyment of surfing, and — displaying logos of some of the L.A. institutions that have shaped him — charts where he’s been professionally. Lerner,...
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How Hillel at UCLA Moved beyond Tolerance to Embrace Difference
The Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles announced Thursday the hiring of Rabbi Aaron Lerner, executive director of Hillel at UCLA, as its next president and CEO. Lerner will take over the new post Jan. 2, succeeding Marvin I. Schotland, who has led the foundation since 1989 and will retire...
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Rabbi Kyle Savitch (’21) Holds Both Jewish Tradition and Modern Sensibilities in His Hands with Kehillat Harlem
“They want to make the most amount of people comfortable without sacrificing traditions.”
Learn about Rabbi Kyle Savitch’s innovative and maximally inclusive work building the Harlem Orthodox community—and the $100,000 grant he got to do it.
Jason Mark (’22), rabbi at Congregation Etz Chayim, observes High Holidays in Toledo
Death and dying are persistent themes for Rabbi Jason Mark. He’s a full-time hospital chaplain in West Virginia, and reflected on the themes in preparation for the Jewish New Year in late September. He again brought those spiritual questions with him on his 4 1/2-hour drive from Morgantown, W.Va., to...
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Rabbi Aaron Lerner (’13) Selected as Next President and CEO of Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles
The Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles announced Thursday the hiring of Rabbi Aaron Lerner, executive director of Hillel at UCLA, as its next president and CEO. Lerner will take over the new post Jan. 2, succeeding Marvin I. Schotland, who has led the foundation since 1989 and will retire...
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Synagogue Teshuva
By Rabbi Jonathan Leener for eJewishPhilanthropy For many American Jews, the synagogue is totally irrelevant. As an institution, the synagogue is often viewed as being sterile and unwelcoming. Authenticity and inclusivity are not often associated with synagogue life. Membership decline and building closures are now commonplace. We could use COVID-19...
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Jewish Journal- Rabbis of LA | Rabbi Aaron Finkelstein: The Educator With a Pastoral Focus
Kylie Ora Lobell One day, a shepherd was tending his flock, and he became thirsty. As he was drinking, he saw something simple that would change his life forever. There were small drops of water hitting a large rock, and a deep indentation in the stone where the water fell. ...
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#YCTInnovators: Kyle Savitch (’21) Is Helping Lead the Growing Orthodox Community of Harlem
Kyle Savitch (’21), far right, learning and teaching Torah in Harlem. Kyle Savitch graduated from YCT in May 2021. Now, he is directing his energies full-time toward Kehillat Harlem, his grassroots Jewish community, where he serves as the rabbi. He will be helping build the Harlem Jewish community thanks to...
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