With the start of the 2022-23 school year upon us, we are highlighting members of the incoming class of students. Click here to see all of the articles in this series.
Today we’re talking with incoming Rabbinic student Neal Cronin.
Q1) Where do you live?
Petaluma, California
Q2) How did you first hear of AJRCA?
I have a few rabbi friends who graduated from there and sung the school’s praises.
Q3) What was it about AJRCA that drew you to enroll here?
After participating in the visitor program (Sunday-Monday) and talking with AJRCA graduates, directors, staff and clergy, and looking at their programs, I decided to apply. I also felt that the school’s approach of focusing on applying Judaism to the real world and those folks in the midst of career changes, this was the best rabbinical school for me.
Q4) What were you doing prior to enrolling?
Senior project manager in the healthcare industry. In parallel, being a lay leader for various congregations (i.e., leading services and leyning Torah, Haftorah, and for holidays; also being on a few Jewish community boards). I also have an MBA, which has helped me become more Judaically learned, able to apply Judaism in the real world, and stay academically oriented.
Q5) As you embark on this experience, what are you most excited about?
Deepening my Jewish learning and spiritual practice, continuing to meet folks (including colleagues) and form friendships and working relationships in the Jewish community. Also, moving further toward my goal of helping Judaism to become more accessible to those who are interested, and motivating those who want to go deeper in Judaism to deepen their spiritual practice, enhance their lives and help others in the world.
Welcome Neal!
