What is the Board of Rabbis?

The Board of Rabbis of Southern California, a department of The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, is a transdenominational, egalitarian and pluralistic membership organization offering professional development for over 250 members.

Believing that the interests of the Jewish People are strengthened by a healthy rabbinate and the cooperation of the rabbis in the work of the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, the Board of Rabbis of Southern California seeks to:

• Promote and nurture the growth of rabbis on both spiritual and professional levels,
• Foster a sense of Klal Yisrael among the different denominations, and
• Serve as a resource for the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles in its work to engage, care for and ensure the future of the Jewish People.

Who can join the Board of Rabbis?

Membership in the Board of Rabbis of Southern California is available to any ordained rabbi residing between San Luis Obispo and San Diego in Southern California who is a member-in-good-standing of one of the following professional rabbinic associations:

• Central Conference of American Rabbis (Reform)
• Rabbinical Assembly (Conservative)
• Rabbinical Council of America (Orthodox)
• Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association (Reconstructionist)
• Alumni Association of the Rabbinical School of Hebrew College (pluralistic)
• International Rabbinic Fellowship (Modern Orthodox)
• Alumni of the Academy for Jewish Religion, CA (pluralistic)
• Ohalah – the Association of Rabbis for Jewish Renewal
• Other local, regional, and national Rabbinic organizations approved by the Executive Committee of the Board of Rabbis

Other rabbis affiliated with a seminary, university or other educational institution or organization may be admitted upon the written recommendation of three members in good standing and subject to the approval of the Executive Committee.

How can I learn more about Judaism?

The regional synagogue movement offices, listed here, can help those who are interested in conversion or introductory classes in Judaism.

The Miller Introduction to Judaism Class, at American Jewish University in Los Angeles, is open to prospective Jews-By-Choice and those who simply want to learn about Judaism.

In addition, local synagogues and temples often offer adult courses and outreach classes that are open to non-members.