I am unhappy to report the passing of Abby Spivack, a student from the University of Judaism who was on her way to receiving ordination from the Ziegler Rabbinical School. Spivack was only 30 years old. She also attended the UJ as an undergrad. Spivack is remembered for her countless acts of volunteering and community service. Her friends recall her as someone always willing to lend a helping hand.
A memorial service was held in remberance for Spivack on October 24. Tere, Rabbi Bradley Artson spoke of to a filled Beit Midrash of Spivack’s accomplishments and attributes. After Artson, many decided to speak in front of all those present. The UJ has also dedicated a Ziegler Rabbinical School scholarship in honor of her memory. Spivack’s parents, Gary and Linda, were also present at the memorial service. She is also survived by her sister, Allison.

Hillel members have outdone themselves with the festivities they put together for Succot.
Special services in the Sukkah by the dormitories on October 6th launched the programming, welcoming both Shabbat and Sukkot. Then, on Sunday October 8, rabbinic student K’vod Wieder led a meditative Sukkot service in the student center. As with the Community Beit Midrash program, these events brough more communication between the rabbinical students and the undergraduates (Hillel is run by undergraduates).
On Monday, the club served pizza and other goodies in the sukkah, screened a movie even hosted a game of poker, to a huge turnout. It was a great way to get students exposed to a sukkah in an enjoyable fashion.
Hillel also had a great turnout for its Tuesday event, “Sushi in the Sukkah,” teaching students how to make sushi.

Security cameras around the dormitories and parking lots have recently been added to the University of Judaism campus.
Director of Residential Life Shoham Nicolet said in an interview that the increase in security measures is owing to recent turmoil in the Middle East. “When world situations like these occur, we sit and debate whether this will affect the campus, and then act accordingly,” she explained.
Because our campus is openly affiliated with the Jewish community, Nicolet asserted that it is at risk for possible terrorist attacks. However, it faces less risk than other potential Jewish targets. Over the summer, the school participated in a federal assessment of its risk for attack, andt filed a security grant application. The outcome of the assessment showed that the campus is less at risk than other prominent area institutions.
“We are not a target compared to other institutions in the area such as Stephen S. Wise Temple or the Getty Center,” Nicolet said, adding, “we are a less attractive target because of our small size and scattered population.”
Although some students I’ve spoken to feel their privacy is being invaded, especially with so many cameras around the dorm buildings, many have told me they understand the need for such security measures.
And the cameras are the only change that needed to made, Nicolet said. Although she emphasized that members of the UJ community should always be cautious about attacks, she said it is not neccessary for the UJ to stop functioning as it normally does. Further, no major changes such as fences or metal detectors are expected to be implemented, she said.

One would expect the University of Judaism to be a hit on the High Holidays. After all, any school with “Judaism” in its title would surely have a full synagogue during some of the most important holidays of its religion. But alas, this is not the case. The UJ is not offering any services on campus during the holidays, but is kind enough to arrange for local congregations and temples to share their space with UJ students. The services are not only for those outside the LA area, but also an option for students looking to try something new. Options are available for Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox style services. Participating organizations include UCLA Hillel, USC Hillel, Stephen S. Wise, Adat Ari El, Temple Beth Am, B’nai David-Judea, Sinai Temple, and Valley Beth Shalom. These services are free for UJ students.