With the start of the 2025-2026 school year in full swing, we are excited to introduce you to members of the incoming class of students. Click here to see all of the posts in this series.
Today we’re talking with incoming Chaplaincy student Lawrence Sachartoff.
Q1) Where do you live?
I live in West Hills, California, a suburb of Los Angeles, at the western end of the San Fernando Valley.
Q2) How did you first hear of AJRCA?
From others who have attended (Cantor Jackie Raffi and Rabbi Janet Madden), along with my friend and rabbi, Rabbi Elijah Schochet. (Rabbi Schochet married my late wife and me over 37 years ago!)
Q3) What was it about AJRCA that drew you to enroll here?
The joy of learning more about Judaism while earning a Masters in Judaic Studies, and the opportunity to serve others as a Chaplain.
Q4) What were you doing prior to enrolling?
I had a long and mostly satisfying career in Information Technology, most recently as a Technical Specialist with IBM. I was also mourning the loss of my wife Joyce (z”l), who passed away 2 1/2 years ago, when I realized the time was right to do something educational and inspirational.
Q5) As you embark on this experience, what are you most excited about?
Learning more about the foundations of our religion, taking those lessons learned and serving others. I am now studying Talmud; this is something I have wanted to learn for a long time and now I’m doing it! I am feeling so much joy, and I’ve only started!
Welcome Lawrence!