With our 2023 Ordination-Graduation ceremony approaching, we are highlighting members of the graduating class. Click here to see all of the posts in this series.
Today we’re talking with Cantorial Graduate Josh Goldberg.
1) With the ceremony approaching, what emotions are you feeling?
I am feeling SO many emotions…excitement for the future, a bit of relief that I made it through all the academic hurdles, nostalgia (can you have nostalgia preemptively?) and lots of gratitude for everyone that helped me get to this day.
2) What are some learnings from your Academy experience that you will take with you after graduation?
I learned that teaching others something I have learned is the best way for me to internalize my own knowledge! Having the opportunity to be a student at AJRCA while working in the field facilitated this cycle of learning and teaching in a profound way throughout time here.
3) Is there anything you learned at AJRCA that truly surprised you?
For most of my life, I’ve considered myself more of a creative person than an academic person. But AJRCA has shown me that the deeper I dive into the intellectual side of Judaism, the more raw material I will have to work with when it comes to expressing myself creatively.
When I came to AJR, I was already writing and producing Jewish music. But now I am diving into the world of film-making. Following my senior recital, I will be debuting a feature film that I wrote which includes original music all based on Shacharit (morning) liturgy as well as written-word/iyyunim I wrote to tie each prayer together. Without the deep learning of tefilah, torah, and spirituality I experienced at AJR, I don’t know that I would have felt I had the authority to do so.
I also have fallen back in love with classical singing! I started as a child with classical vocal training, then got as far away from it as possible in high school and college…but now I have learned to embrace that part of my voice!
4) If you could go back in time and tell your pre-AJRCA self one thing, what would that be?
Probably to start writing my thesis sooner!
Congratulations Josh!
Josh! Mazal tov! So Amazing!! Where can I see your film???
Mazel Tov to you Josh. As someone who has had the privilege of hearing your music, I know that you are going to be an amazing Cantor, as you are already an amazing human being.