Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies

10/07/2025

ALUM SPOTLIGHT: Valley Outreach Synagogue in Calabasas has announced the appointment of Rabbi Julie Rosenson (Ziegler '25) as their new Associate Rabbi.

Ordained this past May, Rabbi Rosenson is already making an impact as a leader in the Jewish community, helping to shape an inclusive and spiritually vibrant future.

“I feel so at home and among family at VOS,” Rabbi Rosenson shared, “and I am so grateful to be a part of this holy community.”

We are so proud to see her step into this next chapter of Jewish leadership. Click the link below to read more:

Valley Outreach Synagogue announced the appointment of Rabbi Julie Rosenson as the new associate rabbi at the temple in Calabasas known for its inclusive atmosphere and interfaith connection. Recently ordained with a master’s in Rabbinic Literature from the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies, Rose...

08/07/2025

Ziegler Alum Listens and Amplifies the Voices of Jewish Professionals

The recent Psychology Today article, What Your Jewish Employees Need Right Now, co-authored by AJU's Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies alum Rabbi Elan Babchuck, explores how Jewish employees are navigating identity, safety, and mental health in the workplace, and why leaders need to respond with empathy and understanding.

At American Jewish University, we’re committed to training leaders who step forward in moments like these—equipped to guide communities, workplaces, and broader society with courage, compassion, and insight. Rabbi Babchuck's voice in this national conversation is a perfect example of how Ziegler alumni are stepping up and shaping a more resilient Jewish future.

“Our colleagues are looking to be seen, heard, and supported not just as employees but as whole human beings.” – Rabbi Elan Babchuk

📖 Read the article:

Two-thirds of American Jews feel less secure at work than a year ago. Our survey of 1,300-plus Jewish professionals reveals what they need from employers right now.

27/06/2025

We’re deeply grateful that our Ziegler School students studying in Israel are safe and continuing their travels and studies.

One of our students, Angela Maddahi, powerfully reflected on her experience during the recent conflict with Iran and the resilience of learning Torah in the face of fear and war. Read Angela’s moving reflection published in the Jewish Journal by clicking the link below. 📖

💬 After reading, we invite you to share your thoughts or leave a message of support for our students abroad in the comments.

Yes, it is difficult living here. Yet is my immense privilege to share in the hardship of our fellow Jews in Israel and to feel deeply a solidarity with them, even though this war is more pronounced than others.

11/06/2025

What does it take to prepare future rabbis for the complexities of Jewish life today?

This week, Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies students began their summer intensive in Israel, engaging in immersive learning that spanned history, identity, innovation, and resilience.

From honoring Ethiopian Jewish narratives to exploring ecological innovation and hearing stories from the frontlines of conflict and social change, students are being shaped into leaders who will guide communities with wisdom, empathy, and vision.

05/06/2025

We are proud to celebrate our newest rabbis, some of whom have already secured positions in Los Angeles and across the country. These remarkable leaders are bringing Torah, wisdom, and vision to synagogues and organizations nationwide.

🔹 Avi Benjamin Kushlan: Assistant Rabbi at Valley Beth Shalom, Encino, CA
🔸 Kaylie Romano: Assistant Rabbi at Jacksonville Jewish Center, Jacksonville, FL
🔹 Nico Arthur Losorelli: Assistant Dean at the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies
🔸 Julie Chana Ariel Rosenson: Associate Rabbi at Valley Outreach Synagogue, Calabasas, CA

Please join us in congratulating them and wishing them success as they embark on this next chapter of their rabbinic journey.

29/05/2025

Rabbi Fenton and Ziegler librarian Jackie Ben-Efraim welcomed Dr. Henry Rosenkranz, along with his wife Yayoi and daughter Aliza, to the Ziegler Library.

During their visit, Jackie shared The Survivors Talmud—a special edition printed by the U.S. Army for Holocaust survivors in displaced persons camps. The title page was illustrated by Dr. Rosenkranz’s father, Grisha Rosenkranz, a survivor of the Dachau sub-camp Kaufering, who was forced to work as a graphic artist for the N***s during the war.

It was an honor to host the Rosenkranz family and to reflect on this extraordinary piece of Jewish resilience and memory.

📚 Want to visit the Ziegler School Library? Email us at [email protected] to schedule a visit!

22/05/2025

Join us in welcoming the world's newest rabbis! Mazel tov to AJU's Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies Class of 2025. As they step into the rabbinate, we know they will lead with heart, wisdom, and a deep commitment to uplifting the Jewish people.

09/05/2025

In his powerful sermon, Ziegler School rabbinical student Nicholas Arthur Losorelli reflects not on the well-known dove, but on the often-overlooked raven in the Noah and the great flood story. The raven dared to face a devastated world not with fear, but with curiosity, resilience, and creativity.

As Nico and the rest of the Ziegler class of 2025 prepare for ordination later this month, we are filled with inspiration and hope for the future. Like the raven, they will soon venture into the world, carrying Torah, curiosity, and the courage to build meaningful and transformative careers in the rabbinate.

08/05/2025

We love seeing our Ziegler rabbis continuing to lead, learn, and connect out in the world! 🕊️📚

This week, a group of Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies alumni gathered at the 18Doors Rabbinic Retreat, joining colleagues from across the country for professional development opportunities and explore meaningful ways to support interfaith families and deepen inclusive Jewish practice.

02/05/2025

Rabbi Cheryl Peretz, Vice Dean: "To be a good Jew means observing ritual and living side by side in love and unity and to understand that we reach our highest aspirations in dance between ritual and ethics. Anything less is dangerous to our body and spirit... Read her full message in this week's Table for Five column of the Jewish Journal.

Law Of The Metzora