American Jewish University - AJU

10/13/2026

The future of rabbinic education is evolving at AJU 📚.

The Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies is reaffirming its commitment to Conservative Judaism while expanding its focus to include finance, technology, and the changing needs of Jewish communities.

As we look toward the future of Jewish leadership, Ziegler continues to build on its rich tradition while preparing rabbis to meet the opportunities and challenges of a changing world.

Read more about the exiting updates to the Ziegler program in eJewishPhilanthropy ⬇️

The American Jewish University’s Ziegler School of Rabbinical Studies, it turns out, is staying in the Conservative fold — but with a dramatically revamped curriculum for the 2027-28 school year that stresses the real-world financial and technological skills that rabbis need to succeed in today....

10/02/2026

AJU welcomes Ari Bloom as the new board chair of the 2050 Institute. Founder and CEO of A-Frame Brands and co-founder of Wise Sons Jewish Deli, Ari brings an entrepreneurial perspective and a lifelong connection to AJU through Camp Alonim.

In the role, Bloom will guide the development of the Institute’s National Salon Series across multiple cities; shape the vision for an annual leadership summit at the Brandeis-Bardin Campus; and help launch the Institute’s fellowship program for emerging Jewish leaders.

As 2050 Institute founder and CEO Jay Sanderson puts it, the future of Jewish life will be built by leaders willing to “build new tables and invite the world to sit down.”

The future starts with what we build today. Learn more:

AJU alum to guide convening strategy and national leadership initiatives.

10/01/2026

As Simchat Torah approaches, celebrate the joy of Torah by investing in the community organization who carries Jewish life forward, American Jewish University, because the Jewish future starts with you!

Give Today: https://aju.edu/giving/ways-to-donate/

09/25/2026

As Sukkot invites us out into the world, Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson's latest Jewish Journal essay, “How Sukkot Makes Us Whole,” explores how we can resist the impulse to shield ourselves from the world and instead cultivate the courage to truly see, hear, and feel the humanity around us.

“This Sukkot, I bless us that we train our ears to truly hear the cries around us… [and] open our eyes to truly see the beauty and the holiness of the world.”

Click the link below to read Rabbi Artson’s beautiful reflection on Sukkot, community, and what it means to live with a whole heart. Chag Sukkot Sameach!

This year, I bless us that we open our eyes to truly see the beauty and the holiness of the world, and of the person before us at each and every moment, and to see the godliness of their aspirations and their fears.

09/24/2026

Start Thinking Outside the Synagogue with the Jewish Tomorrow

How do we build more places for people to feel at home in Jewish life? In the latest episode the podcast, Abigail Pogrebin (Author of Stars of David and It Takes Two to Torah) and host Robert Richman explore what Jewish life can look like beyond the traditional synagogue, and the importance of creating spaces where people can find spiritual connection, community, and meaning on their own terms.

Watch the clip, and listen to the full episode of The Jewish Tomorrow podcast AJU.EDU/2050 - link in bio.

09/18/2026

This Yom Kippur, we could use a dose of hopefulness.

The world around us reminds us that hope is not a given. It's a choice we make again and again, even amid pain and uncertainty.

The prophet Jeremiah reminds, “There is hope for your future.”

As we recount our failings, may we also count our blessings, face the world as it is, imagine what it might yet be, and choose possibility, healing, and blessing. 🕊️

From all of us at AJU, we wish you Shabbat Shalom, a meaningful Yom Kippur, and an easy fast!

09/09/2026

As we enter a new year, Rosh Hashanah invites us to reflect on where we’ve been—and the Jewish future we are entrusted to build. 🍎🍯

After a year that has tested our community in ways few could have imagined, we know one thing with certainty: the future of Jewish life cannot be left to chance. It depends on each of us.

At AJU, we’re committed to building that future by inspiring the next generation of rabbis, educators, leaders, scholars, and Jewish professionals—and creating meaningful pathways to Jewish learning and life. But we can’t do this work without you.

Your gift to AJU supports scholarships, education, innovation, and transformative Jewish experiences, helping people discover who they are, deepen their connection to Jewish life, and prepare to lead our community forward.

The Jewish future starts with you. Make a meaningful gift to AJU today.
Make a gift to AJU today at https://aju.edu/giving/ways-to-donate/

08/28/2026

🎙️ Listen to the latest episode of The Jewish Tomorrow Podcast!

Host Robert Richman sits down with Zac Barnett, lead singer of American Authors, to talk about growing up in a musical Reform Jewish family, Shabbat, Hebrew singalongs, self-awareness, AI, and the future of Jewish music.

And Zac has a bold idea: What if we brought some real energy back to Jewish music? 👀

From backstage reflections to a pitch for a Jewish version of Hillsong, this conversation goes in unexpected directions.

🎧 Listen to the latest episode of The Jewish Tomorrow at AJU.EDU/2050 and join the conversation about what Jewish life, culture, and music can look like tomorrow

08/27/2026

Welcome Erika Martinez Rotolo, SHRM-CP Martinez Rotolo to AJU as our new Vice President of People and Culture!

With 15+ years of experience building strong workplace cultures, developing talent, and guiding organizations through change, Erika brings a people-first approach and a passion for helping teams thrive.

At AJU, she'll lead our people and culture strategy, supporting our faculty and staff as we continue building the Jewish future.

“I love bringing people together, translating vision into action and building the systems and partnerships that enable everyone to thrive,” Erika says.

Welcome to AJU, Erika! We're so glad you're here. 💙

08/26/2026

AJU mourns the passing of Annette Shapiro z”l, a pioneering Jewish communal leader, philanthropist, mentor, and treasured member of the AJU community, who passed away at the age of 96, this past Friday.

For more than 50 years, Annette and her beloved husband, Leonard, were deeply connected to AJU and its predecessor, the University of Judaism. Through their generosity, leadership, and involvement with the Moriah Society and University Women, they helped strengthen the University, its mission and helped cultivate the next generation of Jewish leaders.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Leonard, the entire Shapiro family, and all those who were fortunate to know, learn from, and be inspired by Annette.

May her memory be a blessing, and may her extraordinary example of leadership, generosity, and devotion to the Jewish future continue to inspire us for generations to come. 🕊️