Directors of Studies

The student’s path through the curriculum of the Program is supervised by their Director of Studies (DOS). Talmidim/ot choose a Director of Studies from the group of rabbis, rabbinic pastors and cantors who serve on or are associated with the Ordination Program Academic VA’AD. In addition, the Dean of Students serves as advisor to all the talmidim/ot.

The DOS becomes a partner in designing a plan of study that includes selecting courses and fashioning a path for success in this program. The DOS offers insight into the course work, suggestions for progress and represents the student to the VA’AD as the student approaches senior status, the completion of coursework and preparation for smicha.

Dean of Students – Coordinator of Directors of Study

Hazzan Diana Brewer, MA

Dean of Students, Director of Admissions, and Member of the Academic VA’AD

(she/ze)

Rabbi Caryn Aviv, Ph.D.

Director of Studies

(she/her/hers)

Rabbi Leila Gal Berner, Ph.D., D.Min. h.c.

Chair of the Jewish History Department, Director of Studies, Member of the Academic VA’AD

(she/her)

Rabbi Dr. Elliot Ginsberg Ph.D.

Chair of the Jewish Mysticism Department, Program Director of the AOP Beloved Land: Israel and Palestine Program, Director of Studies, and a Member of the Academic VA’AD

(he/הוא)

Rabbi Natan Margalit, Ph.D.

Interim Dean of Faculty, Chair of the Rabbinic Texts Department, Director of the Earth-Based Judaism Program, Director of Studies, and a Member of the Academic VA’AD

(he/him)