Trans-denominational seminary and graduate school Academy of Jewish Religion, California (AJRCA) has named Rabbi Joshua Hoffman as its new president and CEO.
Hoffman succeeds retiring President Rabbi Mel Gottlieb, who has led AJRCA for much of the past 20 years.
“We are thrilled to welcome Rabbi Joshua Hoffman,” AJRCA Board Chair Marlene Canter said in an Oct. 19 statement. “Rabbi Hoffman shares our strong commitment to the inclusive, trans-denominational ideals that AJRCA was built upon. He is the right person to lead AJRCA as it builds on its many successes over the past 20 years. He has a clear vision for the future that will take us into our next 20 years.”
Hoffman serves as the president of the Board of Rabbis of Southern California and previously held a pulpit position at Valley Beth Shalom. He was ordained at American Jewish University’s Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies.
On taking the helm at AJRCA, which represents all the denominations, “I see this position as a critical force for change at a pivotal time in American Jewish life,” Hoffman said. “AJRCA has proven successful in training 21st century Jewish leaders who are profoundly shaping our communities with purpose and pride. My mission is to continue expanding our role in developing future Jewish leaders through innovative and inspirational learning.”
Hoffman joins AJRCA on the heels of the school’s relocation to the campus of Loyola Marymount University in the summer of 2021. Along with in-person instruction, AJRCA’s successful hybrid programs for rabbis, cantors, chaplains and lay leaders have made it more accessible to students from across the country as well as in its Los Angeles home.
AJRCA currently has students in 17 states and more than 180 alumni serving in key roles throughout the country.
In a statement, Rabbi Stan Levy, who co-founded the school in 2000, said Hoffman was the right person to drive AJRCA forward into its next era by building upon its proven strengths in its rabbinical, cantorial, and chaplaincy schools as well as its graduate program in Jewish Studies.
“I am so very confident that Rabbi Joshua Hoffman has the passion, intellect, experience, and interpersonal gifts to lead AJRCA in the coming years,” Levy said. “With our new home and deepening partnership with Loyola Marymount University, and with the appointment of our new President, I am excited for the vibrant future of the Academy.”
Aish LA recently held its 39th annual gala evening at the Taglyan Complex in Hollywood. The sold-out affair drew more than 475 trustees and young professionals celebrating the three honorees.
Isaac Davidi was honored for his work with the two young professionals’ divisions—MyAish and Aish Lit. Lisa Richards was the Jewish Women’s Initiative (JWI) honoree, and Ralph Lacher was the Jewish Men’s Initiative (JMI) honoree.
Professional videos created by Sarah Weintraub Productions featured the Momentum Israel trips for the JMI and JWI participants, as well as the booming success of the young professional divisions. David Lieberman, a New York Times bestselling author and pioneering leader in the fields of human behavior and interpersonal relationship, was the well-received keynote speaker. Israeli activist Rudy Rochman headlined a special pre-gala young professional sushi and open bar reception.
“We know our galas will always be well attended because we have the magic formula of being professional, entertaining, meaningful and always done by 9 p.m.,” Aish LA Executive Director Rabbi Aryeh Markman said. “And that is because we have the dynamic duo creative team of Executive Producer Sarah Weintraub and Aish LA COO Rabbi Azriel Aharon, who always deliver.”
The event attracted the likes of real estate moguls David Hager and Adam Milstein; last year’s honoree, David Wiener, and his wife, Sheryl Wiener; Aish LA co-Founder Richard Horowitz; and JMI City Leader Jeff Singer and his wife, JWI activist Kelly Singer.
Rabbi Ilana Grinblat has joined the clergy team at Open Temple as its director of education and family programming.
“Rabbi Ilana’s addition to Open Temple deepens our Family Education, Torah Study, B’nai Mitzvah program, Creative Family Services and Joy,” a statement by Open Temple said. “We are moved and inspired by her presence, wisdom and depth.”
Grinblat previously served as vice president of community engagement at the Board of Rabbis of Southern California. She also has served as a visiting rabbi at Temple Har Shalom in Idyllwild, CA, and Temple Beth Shalom of Long Beach. She is married to a franchise lawyer and the mother of two teenaged children.
On Oct. 21, she led the Venice community’s Shabbat potluck dinner.
