Rabbi Arthur Gross-Schaefer
Rabbi Arthur is a very diverse individual whose impact bridges a variety of organizations and touches numerous communities. He is a rabbi, a lawyer, a legal ethicist, a C.P.A., a mediator, a law professor, a writer, an advocate for
As an educator, rabbi, and lawyer, Rabbi Gross-Schaefer provides leadership and consultation in the areas of religion, public education, and ethics. He has helped new immigrant communities, Native Americans, Quakers, rabbis, and lawyers with issues of burnout, sexual misconduct, and diversity. He has created ethics and wellness audits for rabbis and synagogues; as a respected consultant, he frequently provides guidance on legal issues facing clergy, and is an invited speaker about ethical issues.
As a rabbi, he has also conducted workshops and written on a variety of topics including ethics audits for synagogues, rabbi burnout, dealing with the December Dilemma, and ethical and legal issues facing lesbian and gay couples.
Rabbi Arthur’s biggest joy is his family. Laurie, his wife, is an award-winning artist. His sons Elisha, Avi, Yoav and Noah are his “university that teaches him patience, humility and often wisdom.”
Itzik Ben Sasson is a career Jewish educator who brings his life-long love of Judaism and education to the students he loves. Since 1992, he has lived in
From 1993 through 1998 Itzik taught Judaism and Hebrew at Congregation B'nai B'rith. From 1999 through 2004, Itzik served as the Youth Director, Jewish Festival Director, and the founder and Director of Santa Barbara's Jewish day camp,
In 1998 Itzik's commitment to Jewish education became the seed that has since blossomed into the Community Shul of Montecito and
