Biography
Rabbi Sanford “Sandy” Olshansky teaches in the Judaic Studies Program of the History Department at the University of Central Florida, in Orlando, and has taught Jewish Life and Thought at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. He taught a 7-week adult education course on Science and Religion in Melbourne, Florida and has lectured publicly on that subject many times.
Rabbi Olshansky was ordained in 2011 at the Academy for Jewish Religion, in New York, and was admitted to the Reform Jewish rabbinical association, in 2013. Prior to beginning his rabbinic studies in 2007, he worked for 35 years in sales and marketing, in the consumer electronics industry and in the advertising industry.
Rabbi Olshansky served 5 years at a large synagogue in New Jersey, most recently as Rabbi Educator and Director of Lifelong Learning. He served 3 years as a visiting Rabbi in the Orlando area. He performs many weddings, mostly in the Orlando area, and is "on call" for hospital visits and funerals in the Orlando area and in Brevard County.
Research Interests
Rabbi Olshansky's main academic interests are the prophetic books of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament and the "common ground" that exists between religion and science.
Creative Activities
Rabbi Olshansky is a popular wedding officiant in the Orlando area, at theme parks and other venues.
Publications
Articles/Essays
- Forthcoming "Israel at 75: Good for Its Place," CCAR Journal/The Reform Jewish Quarterly, Summer 2023
- "Joys of Being a Second-Career Rabbi," CCAR Journal/The Reform Jewish Quarterly, Winter 2023
Awards
Rabbi Olshansky was honored as the most distinguished recipient of a master's degree at the annual commencement of Gratz College, in Melrose Park (Philadelphia), PA, in 2011.
Courses
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