Jacob Lev Schatz, Ph.D. is a third-year rabbinical student at the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies at American Jewish University. A Los Angeles native, Jacob recently returned after a decade on the east coast, most recently receiving his Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from New York University. He enjoys spending time with his family, writing Jewish thought and children’s books, and composing, playing, dancing, and listening to music. Jacob was inspired to pursue the rabbinate to grapple with questions of theology, justice, and change; and to explore new approaches to Jewish community and practice.