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Rabbi Mel Gottlieb, Ph.D.
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Rabbi Mel Gottlieb, Ph.D. is the President of the Academy for Jewish Religion California as well as Dean of the Rabbinical School and Chaplaincy Program. Rabbi Gottlieb was ordained at Yeshiva University. He holds a doctorate in Mythology/Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute where he has served as an Adjunct Faculty member. He has also taught at Columbia, Yeshiva University and the University of Southern California’s Graduate School of Social Work.

Widely published, his essays have appeared in such publications as the national journals, Ideas and Shma, and the book, "Illuminating Letters."

A dynamic and engaging speaker, he is a frequent guest lecturer at the C.G. Jung Institute of Los Angeles as well as at synagogues of all denominations throughout Southern California.

Rabbi Gottlieb is the former Director of Hillel at MIT and Princeton, and was the Rabbi at Kehillat Ma’arav in Santa Monica as well as Westwood Village Synagogue. He has inspired countless students with his enthusiasm for Jewish learning and deeply believes in the emphasis that the Academy places on spirituality as a major component of religious training and teaching.

Blog Entries by Rabbi Mel Gottlieb, Ph.D.

Rosh Hashanah: A Season of Hope and Aspirations of Unity

(1) Comments | Posted September 10, 2012 | 8:10 AM

At this time of the year, Jews around the world begin preparation for the celebration of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. But the tradition teaches that it is really a universal day, one that celebrates the creation of all humanity. It is a day of reflection during which the...

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From Slavery Unto Freedom: A 3,300-Year-Old Lesson for the 21st Century

(1) Comments | Posted April 3, 2012 | 11:30 AM

Even those with a passing knowledge of biblical history can tell you that the upcoming holiday of Passover is about the liberation of the Jews from slavery in Egypt. However, what is far less known is that the Jews adjustment to being a free people wasn't so easy. Indeed, it...

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What the Next American President Should Have in Common With Moses

(35) Comments | Posted February 28, 2012 | 10:33 AM

In November, the American public will, once again, have the awesome responsibility of choosing who will lead the world's most powerful nation. The candidates' party affiliation, experience and stance on the issues are, of course, among the key factors to be taken into account in making our decision. But what...

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Message to Religious Extremists: Listen to Joseph!

(1) Comments | Posted January 17, 2012 | 5:40 PM

Because of the talent and popularity of Andrew Lloyd Webber, the biblical story of Joseph and his brothers is familiar to many. Far less familiar (at least to those whose only reference is "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat") is the fact that when Joseph's brothers leave him to journey...

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Claremont Lincoln University: Learning at the World's First Interfaith College

(26) Comments | Posted September 7, 2011 | 12:46 PM

A rabbi, a minister, and an imam meet together for a year and something amazing happens...

In June of 2010, the three of us, Rev. Jerry Campbell, Imam Jihad Turk and Rabbi Mel Gottlieb, announced an agreement for our respective institutions to co-create the world's first inter-religious university --...

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