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 Cantorial student Ronni Mardor.
Q1) Where do you live?
I currently live in LA, California. While moving here made me feel like a “lone immigrant,” I’ve since found a true village in my Jewish community.
Q2) How did you first hear of AJRCA?
I was working at my local synagogue, Adat Ari-El, as a music specialist, song and prayer leader, and Hebrew teacher. The senior rabbi there has been incredibly supportive, teaching me and using my talents. He helped guide me toward the cantorate, which led me to AJRCA.
Q3) What was it about AJRCA that drew you to enroll here?
AJRCA’s commitment to its students really spoke to me, especially its pluralistic approach. The school trains Jewish clergy “irrespective of ideology or institutional affiliation,” which gives me the freedom to explore all sides of Jewish life, and as someone who grew up fairly secular, that has been a game changer. Plus, the fact that a lot of the learning is Zoom-based is a huge bonus! It lets me continue my work at Adat Ari-El and Congregation Kol Ami, which is crucial for my ongoing growth and community engagement.
Q4) What were you doing prior to enrolling?
Before this, my life was a mix of things. I had earned a BA in Songwriting in London and was working in a post-production studio in LA. But after the COVID lockdowns, I realized I was missing human connection and performing. That’s when I became an early childhood music instructor, and eventually, a music specialist at Adat Ari-El. Everything changed for me on October 7th, 2023. I felt profoundly needed by the community and knew I had to be there. My purpose transformed, and I quit my other jobs to focus on spreading “Jewish joy” in such an unbearable time.
Q5) As you embark on this experience, what are you most excited about?
I’m excited to work with other aspiring clergy individuals while also deepening my knowledge of where I come from. I’m also ready to tackle the big questions, like how to foster true inclusivity and engage in difficult conversations, especially in today’s world. I believe that by being a ‘queer Israeli-Jewish woman’ I bring a unique perspective to the cantorate, one that couldn’t have existed where I grew up. My goal is to lead with love and help others find meaning and wholeness in their own lives.
Welcome Ronni!