Scholar-in-Residence
Each year, B’nai Torah is honored to welcome some of the most inspiring voices in Jewish life for our Scholar-in-Residence Shabbats. These special gatherings bring our community together for learning, prayer, and conversation with renowned rabbis, teachers, and thought leaders.
This season, we are privileged to host Rabbi Angela Buchdahl, Rabbi Brad Artson, and Rabbi Dr. Marc Gellman. Over Shabbat, our guests will share their wisdom through dynamic lectures, uplifting sermons, spirited services, and meaningful dialogue. Together, we will explore Jewish ideas that deepen our connection to tradition, strengthen our spiritual lives, and inspire us to live with greater purpose.
Shabbat Morning
November 22, 2025
Rabbi Angela Buchdahl
Rabbi Angela Warnick Buchdahl is the Senior Rabbi of Central Synagogue in New York City, the first woman to lead its Reform congregation in its 180-year history. Ordained as both cantor and rabbi by Hebrew Union College–JIR, she is also the first Asian American to serve in either role in North America. Nationally recognized for her innovative leadership and powerful voice in Jewish life, Rabbi Buchdahl has been featured in major media outlets and named one of Newsweek’s “America’s 50 Most Influential Rabbis.” Buchdahl is joining us as part of the Jewish Book Council as she just completed her memoir, Heart of a Stranger.
Shabbat
February 21, 2026
Rabbi Dr. Marc Gellman
Rabbi Dr. Marc Gellman, Rabbi Emeritus of Temple Beth Torah in Melville, NY, and rabbi of the Aspen Jewish Congregation, is widely known as co-founder of The God Squad with Monsignor Thomas Hartman, bringing thoughtful conversations on faith to national television, radio, and print. An award-winning author of ten books for children and adults, including Does God Have a Big Toe?, Rabbi Gellman has been recognized by Newsweek as one of “America’s 50 Most Influential Rabbis.” A respected teacher, ethicist, and speaker, he continues to inspire through his writing, teaching, and leadership.
Artist-in-Residence
Cantor Michael Ochs
February 27 & 28, 2026
Michael Hunter Ochs is an award-winning songwriter whose music has been recorded by artists including Josh Groban, Cece Winans, and Helene Fischer, and featured in films. A beloved composer of contemporary Jewish music, his melodies are sung in congregations around the world each Shabbat, weaving joy, reflection, and connection into Jewish life. He also composed Cantor Fishman’s favorite version of Oseh Shalom. With a gift for bringing people together through song, Michael has shared his music on some of the world’s most meaningful stages, from the URJ Biennial to the Jewish Museum of Berlin.