Ordination on May 25, 2006
On May 25th of this year, AJR held its annual service of ordination on the campus of the College of Mount Saint Vincent. At the service, Rabbinical Ordination was conferred upon seven men and women, while Cantorial Ordination was conferred upon three women and one man. Candidates for Ordination have completed their course requirements, passed comprehensive examinations, completed practical field work, and written a senior thesis (rabbis) or presented a senior practicum (cantors). Each candidate was presented by a member of his or her Bet Din, blessed with the birkat kohanim, and formally presented to community, family and friends as rabbi or cantor. Each then shared teachings or a musical selection and their thoughts on this sacred occasion.
In addition to the ordination of cantors and rabbis, awards were presented in several categories. Rabbi Judith B. Edelstein and Mr. James Meier were presented with the Marbeh Shalom Award in recognition of their service to the Jewish community and their devotion to the Academy’s mission. Rabbi Robert Silvers, an alumnus of the Academy, was selected by the Association of Rabbis and Cantors to receive the Alumnus of the Year Award for his outstanding contribution to Jewish education, synagogue life, and community service. This year the P’nei Torah Award was presented to Ms. Arline Duker, M.S.W. a highly respected and dedicated member of the Academy faculty.
