AJR Holds Ordination Ceremony
On May 10, 2007 AJR honored its Rishonim, who were ordained during its first 25 years. A reception was held for them in the President’s Lounge at the College of Mount Saint Vincent.
During the reception, the Rishonim attending were given the opportunity to share memories of their experiences during their time at the Academy.
Rabbi Stephen Leon, one of our Rishonim, and one who headed the Academy and sustained its vision for many years was unable to attend. He extended this greeting:
As the former Dean of the Academy for Jewish Religion, 1974-1986, it is my honor and privilege to convey my most sincere “Mazal Tov” to the newest ordinees of the Academy as they celebrate their “Chag Smicha” this evening. I wish them much success in the awesome responsibility which each one of them has now assumed and I know that the time for a true “Tikun Olam” is much closer because of their commitment to Klal Yisrael and Torah. To all of the alumni of the Academy who are also being honored tonight I offer my most sincere best wishes. Many of you I know personally and others I am aware of because of your fine reputations in your rabbinic work. I am sorry that I could not be with you tonight, but I want you to know that each of you has been a blessing to your community, your congregation and to the Academy. May you continue to grow from strength to strength. Shalom Uvracha, Steve Leon
Later that afternoon, 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 Yechiel Joel N. Buchband, Anne Wooddell Heath, Donna Jill Mesite, and Daniel Brian Price.
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 a rabbi. Each then shared teachings and their thoughts on this sacred occasion.
In addition to the ordination of rabbis, awards were presented in several categories.
This year, the P’nei Torah Award was presented to Cantor Lisa Klinger-Kantor, an alumna of the Academy and a highly respected and dedicated member of the Academy faculty.
Rabbi Malka Drucker, also an alumna of the Academy, was selected by the Association of Rabbis and Cantors to receive the Alumnus of the Year Award for her outstanding contribution to the Jewish community.
