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 Rabbinical student Michelle Goldhaber.
Q1) Where do you live?
Cape Cod, MA, specifically West Yarmouth.
Q2) How did you first hear of AJRCA?
I was an intern at Beit T’Shuvah in Culver City, CA in the summer of 2024. I met so many people there who had connections with AJRCA and spoke so highly of it. I contacted Robin, who was so patient and informative, and spent a whole year in conversation with me about possibly transferring from Hebrew College. I took some AJRCA classes that spring, and met so many kind and interesting students. It was a hard decision to leave HC, but ultimately it was the right move for me!
Q3) What was it about AJRCA that drew you to enroll here?
I love the flexibility and customization that is possible in the curriculum and program. I love the people and spaciousness in the community. Being online is another draw for me as it enables me to continue working, living in different places, and traveling when necessary. I love the pluralism in the student body and the value of and respect for peoples’ outside lives as well. This practical and warm approach creates a very accessible and exciting learning environment for me.
Q4) What were you doing prior to enrolling?
I was a student at Hebrew College Rabbinical School, and also working for Outward Bound in Boston and California, and last year, was an intern at Brown University in the Office of Chaplains and Religious Life. I am an avid outdoors-person, and spend a lot of time swimming, surfing, sleeping outside, trail running and backpacking.
Q5) As you embark on this experience, what are you most excited about?
I’m so excited to restart my rabbinical school journey at AJRCA, and feel enthused to ride this energy to ordination. I feel like this is a much better match for me right now, and I am excited to re-engage with rabbinic learning and training in this community.
Welcome Michelle!