Cantor Jonathan Friedmann, PhD '10 recently received his PhD in Theology from the joint program of North-West University (South Africa) and Greenwich School of Theology (UK). The title of his dissertation is "A Musical People: The Role of Music in Biblical Life." Using an ethnomusicological approach, it uncovers the important role music played in shaping and defining the self-identity of ancient Israel. In other news, Cantor Friedmann has a new article published in Western States Jewish History (vol. 44, no. 2). "Margaret Blake Alverson: Gentile in a Jewish Choir" explores Alverson's recollections of her involvement in synagogue choirs in late nineteenth-century San Francisco. Using her comments as a foundation, he paints a broader portrait of Jewish sacred music in California during that period. 

On January 12th, Chaplain D'vorah Epstein McDonald, '06 was one of the keynote speakers at the "6th Annual Promising Practices:  Mental Health and Aging Conference" held at California State University, Northridge.  The focus of the Conference was on "Dealing with Life's Difficult Discussions." In her presentation entitled "Language of the Heart:  Empowerment through Conversation," Chaplain Epstein McDonald spoke about the need to have end of life discussions before people are hospitalized and how to facilitate spiritual discussions in order to help people find meaning and hope in their lives. The conference attracted approximately 250 social workers, case managers, senior peer counselors, nursing home administrators, and others working in the health care service industry.

On December 4th, the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles sponsored the "Imagining Our Future" Day of Learning. Held at the Sheraton Universal Hotel, the event attracted 500 participants. Susan Goldberg, a fifth year Rabbinical student, was one of four panelists (and the only student) invited to lead a "Sermon Slam," during which the panel (which also included Rabbi Ed Feinstein, Rabbi Marvin Hier and Rabbi Steven Carr Reuben) took topics from the audience (all 500 participants)  and came up with on the spot sermons. Susan was asked to serve on the panel in her capacity as Acting Rabbi of Temple Beth Israel of Highland Park and Eagle Rock. She also presented a workshop entitled "Light Up the Night" with the East Side Jews. With about 150 attendees, the workshop focused on miracles, big and small. 

Upcoming

The Children of Abraham: An exploration of the values and beliefs that Jews, Christians, and Muslims share with each other

On Sunday, March 25th, the Academy will be sponsoring the first in a series of seminars addressing the values and beliefs shared by the three Abrahamic traditions. The focus of these seminars reflects AJRCA's groundbreaking collaborative initiative with Claremont School of Theology and the Islamic Center of Southern California, a collaboration which has led to the establishment of Claremont Lincoln University, an interreligious institution of graduate studies. The meeting will consist of short presentations by Jerry Campbell, PhD, President of Claremont School of Theology; Jihad Turk, Director of Religious Affairs, The Islamic Center of Southern California, and Interim Dean, Bayan Graduate Program at Claremont Lincoln University; and Rabbi Mel Gottlieb, PhD, President of the Academy for Jewish Religion, California. This will be followed by 45 minutes of Questions and Answers.

The event will be held from 5 to 7 pm at The Yitzhak Rabin Hillel Center for Jewish Life at UCLA, 574 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90024. Parking