American Jewish University (AJU) has appointed Rabbi Stewart Vogel as senior advisor for recruitment, admissions and rabbinic Innovation at the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies.
As Ziegler reopens admissions for the 2027–28 academic year and advances a reimagined approach to rabbinic education, Vogel will play a central role in identifying, recruiting and cultivating candidates who view the rabbinate as a calling to serve the Jewish people. He will also help advance innovation in rabbinic education, drawing on decades of experience in congregational leadership, institutional transformation and Jewish communal life.
“The rabbinate is changing, and rabbinic education must change with it,” AJU President and CEO Jay Sanderson said. “Today’s rabbis are spiritual leaders, educators, organizational leaders and community builders. They need to understand finance, fundraising, technology and the realities of running complex organizations while remaining deeply grounded in Jewish tradition. Rabbi Vogel understands both the demands of this work and the opportunities ahead. His leadership will help us recruit extraordinary individuals prepared to shape the Jewish future.”
“The Jewish future needs rabbis who understand that leadership extends far beyond the pulpit,” said Vogel. “We are looking for dedicated individuals who see the rabbinate as an all-encompassing commitment to serving others. They must be deeply grounded in Jewish learning and tradition, but also willing to think creatively, embrace change and help build the institutions and communities Jewish life will need in the years ahead.”
Vogel will work closely with AJU’s leadership to strengthen recruitment and admissions, deepen relationships with Jewish communal leaders and identify individuals with the intellectual depth, leadership potential and commitment to service necessary to succeed in an evolving rabbinate.
“As we reopen admissions and prepare to welcome a new cohort of students, Rabbi Vogel will play an essential role in shaping Ziegler’s future,” Rabbi Cheryl Peretz, interim dean of the Ziegler School, said. “He brings decades of rabbinic leadership, deep relationships across the Jewish community and a willingness to challenge conventional thinking.”
A respected national leader in the Conservative movement, Vogel is the immediate past president of the Rabbinical Assembly and rabbi emeritus of Hamakom, the congregation formed through the merger of Temple Aliyah and Shomrei Torah Synagogue.
Vogel also brings longstanding ties to AJU, having studied at its predecessor institution, the University of Judaism, and served in educational and leadership roles at Brandeis-Bardin, Brandeis Camp Institute and Camp Alonim.
Stephanie Epstein was named CEO of Jewish Federation of Orange County, effective Oct. 12.
Epstein is a 13-year O.C. Federation veteran who rose from Shalom Family associate to chief operating officer and acting CEO before her appointment.
“Throughout her tenure, she has touched and influenced every aspect of our organization. Along the way, she has been at our simchas and beside us in our hardest moments,” Jewish Federation of Orange County Board Chair Patty Seyburn said in a statement announcing Epstein’s appointment. “Stephanie knows our congregations, our schools, our communal organizations, our community partners, and so many of our families by name. She understands what we worry about at night and what makes us proud.”
Epstein’s appointment follows what the O.C. Federation describes as a “thorough, national search,” and engaged Federation board members, donors, clergy, community partners and staff in the process.
Seyburn added, “On a personal note, I have never met anyone more connected and committed to bringing joy and purpose to the Orange County Jewish community. I am excited for her to lead us into the Jewish Federation’s next phase – one of ambition, inspiration and collaboration, addressing our challenges with ruach and compassion.”
The annual Pico-Robertson neighborhood cleanup was held on Oct. 11, drawing nearly 200 volunteers who came out on a Sunday to pitch in and lend a hand while beautifying their community.
According to Pico-Robertson resident and community leader Boaz Hepner, a nurse and an organizer of the event, volunteers removed 4,000-5,000 pounds of trash. Among the participants were 12 synagogues, seven schools, four restaurants that prepared food for volunteers and four offices of local politicians.
People of all ages turned out. And, judging by the smiling faces of those who stepped up and volunteered, the day was a resounding success, one that showed the power of community coming together and the strength, Hepner said, of “civic pride.”
Participating organizations included Jewish Federation Los Angeles and the office of L.A. City Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky.
Next year’s cleanup is scheduled for Oct. 31, 2027.
