Nevada’s 1st Female Rabbi-Cantor prepares to lead

Nevada Week | Nevada’s 1st Female Rabbi-Cantor prepares to lead 

SEASON 7: EPISODE 750 | Airdate: 6/19/2025

Rabbi Sanford Akselrad is retiring, after nearly 4 decades of service to Congregation Ner Tamid and Southern Nevada. His successor, Rabbi-Cantor Jessica Hutchings, will be Nevada’s first female Rabbi-Cantor. We hear from both on their hopes for the Las Vegas Jewish community. Then, we hear the inspiration behind a new community art project celebrating the Historic Westside. 

Guests

• Rabbi-Cantor Jessica Hutchings, Congregation Ner Tamid
• Rabbi Sanford Akselrad, Congregation Ner Tamid
• Mike Norice, Artist, Pearson Pillar Mural Project
• Claytee White, Director, Oral History Research Center, UNLV Libraries

Resources

• Congregation Ner Tamid
• Pearson Pillar Mural Project
• UNLV Special Collections and Archives: Oral History Research Center