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{{Short description|Private university in Los Angeles, California}}
{{Infobox_University
{{More citations needed|date=September 2023}}
|image = [[Image:American jewish university logo.PNG|200px|American Jewish University]]
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2023}}
{{Infobox university
|image = American jewish university seal.svg
|image_size = 150px
|name = American Jewish University
|name = American Jewish University
|motto = Education demands innovation...
|motto = The American Jewish University of Tomorrow
|established = [[1947]]
|established = 1947
|type = [[Private school|Private]]
|type = [[Private university]]
|religious_affiliation = [[Judaism|Jewish]]
|president= [http://www.ajula.edu/Content/contentunit.asp?cid=504&u=1357&t=0 Robert Wexler, Ph.D]
|president= [[Jeffrey Herbst]]
|city = [[Bel-Air]], [[Los Angeles, California|Los Angeles]]
|city = [[Los Angeles]]
|state = [[California]]
|state = [[California]]
|country = [[United States|USA]]
|country = United States
|students=
|students=
|undergrad =
|undergrad =
|postgrad =
|postgrad =
|administrative_staff=
|staff=
|campus = [[Urban area|Urban]]
|campus = [[Urban area|Urban]]
|endowment=
|endowment= $100 Million (2020)
|mascot =
|mascot = Zion the Lion
|affiliations=
|colors=
|colors=
|website= [http://www.ajula.edu/ www.ajula.edu]
|website= [https://www.aju.edu/ www.aju.edu]
|logo=[[File:American jewish university logo2.png|250px]]
}}
}}
The '''American Jewish University''', formerly the separate institutions '''University of Judaism''' and '''[[Brandeis-Bardin Institute]]''', is a Jewish, non-denominational and highly eclectic institution. Its largest component is its Whizin Center for Continuing Education in which 12,000 students are enrolled annually in non-credit granting courses. A prominent program of the Center is the University's Annual Speaker Series, featuring luminaries like Bill Clinton, Tony Blair, Colin Powell, and other political and diplomatic leaders. AJU's academic division includes the College of Arts and Sciences, leading to a B.A. degree in majors such as Bioethics (pre-med), Business, Communication Arts & Advocacy, Jewish Studies, Political Science and Psychology. In addition, AJU offers graduate degrees through the the Fingerhut School of Education, The David L. Lieber Graduate School, and the [[Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies]], a [[Conservative Judaism|Conservative]] Jewish rabbinical seminary. AJU is host to two "think tanks," the Center for Israel Studies (CIS) and the Sigi Ziering Institute: Exploring the Ethical and Religious Implications of the Holocaust. Finally, through the Brandeis=Bardin Institute, the University has oversight over Camps Ramah, Alonim, and Gan Alonim.


'''American Jewish University''' ('''AJU''') is a [[Private university|private]] Jewish university in [[Los Angeles, California]]. It was formed in 2007 from the merger of the University of Judaism and [[Brandeis-Bardin Institute]].
== Undergraduate Study ==
=== The College of Arts and Sciences ===
[[Image:American Jewish University, Bel Air, California.JPG|thumb|right|300px|American Jewish University, Bel Air]]


AJU's academic division includes the College of Arts and Sciences, the Fingerhut School of Education, The David L. Lieber Graduate School, and the [[Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies]], a [[Conservative Judaism|Conservative]] Jewish rabbinical seminary. AJU is host to the [[Miller Introduction to Judaism Program]], which prepares students to [[convert to Judaism]] and engages interfaith couples and families, as well as three [[think tank]]s: the Institute on American Jewish-Israel Relations, and the [[Sigi Ziering]] Institute for Exploring the Ethical and Religious Implications of the Holocaust and the Center for Policy Options. At its Brandeis-Bardin Campus, the University oversees Camp Alonim, Gan Alonim Day Camp and the BCI Program. Its largest component is its Whizin Center for Continuing Education in which 12,000 students are enrolled annually in non-credit granting courses. Classes, lectures, author events, concerts and performances are offered daytime and evening for all ages of the community.
The College of Arts and Sciences is the program of undergraduate study at AJU. The College has one of the lowest student-to-faculty ratios in the country, 7:1. Class size is small, averaging fewer than 20 students per course.


== History ==
The academic program itself at the College grants the [[Bachelor of Arts]] degree. The core curriculum consists of over half the required credits during a student's time at the College, and consists of the study of Western, non-Western, and Jewish civilizations, foreign language studies, arts, science, math, and computer study. Several academic majors and minors are offered including:
The University of Judaism was founded in 1947. The spiritual founder was [[Mordecai Kaplan]], a Jewish thinker and philosopher whose goal was to create an institution representing the diversity of Judaic expression in the United States. The co-founder was Rabbi [[Jacob Pressman]].<ref name="larrybstammer">Larry B. Stammer, [http://articles.latimes.com/1999/oct/23/local/me-25309 A Witness to Hate and Hope], ''The Los Angeles Times'', October 23, 1999</ref> Initially a project of the [[Jewish Theological Seminary of America|Jewish Theological Seminary]] in [[New York City]] and the Bureau of Jewish Education of Greater Los Angeles, the UJ became an independent institution in the 1970s. It became officially non-denominational with the ascension to the presidency of Robert Wexler (1992-2018) at the beginning of his tenure. Wexler was preceded in the presidency by [[Simon Greenberg]] (1947–1963) and David Lieber (1963–1992). The current president is Jeffrey Herbst (2018–present).<ref>[https://jewishjournal.com/cover_story/235187/cover-story-the-changing-of-the-aju-guard/ "Changing of the AJU Guard"]</ref>


In March 2007, officials from the University of Judaism and the [[Brandeis-Bardin Institute]], an education and camping organization in [[Simi Valley, California|Simi Valley]], announced the two parties would merge into a new organization called the American Jewish University.<ref>[http://articles.latimes.com/2007/mar/22/local/me-briefs22.2 "2 Jewish educational institutes are merging," ''Los Angeles Times'', March 22, 2007]</ref>
: [[Bioethics]], [[Business]], [[English studies|English and Literature]], [[Jewish Studies]], [[Journalism]], Liberal Studies, Literature and Politics, [[Political Science]], Behavioral Sciences (Psychology), and U.S. [[Public Policy]]


== Campus resources and facilities ==
The College also permits students to design their own majors, minors, and individualized programs of study in consultation with their academic advisor. The College encourages students to take leadership roles both on campus and in social, political, and religious work in the greater Los Angeles area.
The American Jewish University campus in [[Bel Air, California]]<ref>{{Cite news |last=Elia-Shalev |first=Asaf |date=June 10, 2023 |title=$65 million deal to sell American Jewish University’s LA campus collapses |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/65-million-deal-to-sell-american-jewish-universitys-la-campus-collapses/ |access-date=2023-06-11 |work=Times of Israel |language=en-US}}</ref> is home to the Ostrow Library, which contains over 120,000 volumes, electronic resources, and contains one of the West Coast's largest collections of [[Jewish ceremonial art|Judaica]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Raziel |first=Benjamin |date=2021-03-25 |title=American Jewish University Seeking Partner to Share Bel Air Campus Space |url=https://jewishjournal.com/news/334629/american-jewish-university-seeking-partner-to-share-bel-air-campus-space/ |access-date=2021-12-13 |work=Jewish Journal |language=en-US}}</ref> The campus also includes the Gindi Auditorium, a 475-seat theatre featuring concerts, celebrations, and other programs. The campus also includes dormitories and a recently completed student union with fitness facilities, a basketball court, and grass field.{{citation needed|date=August 2019}}


American Jewish University's Brandeis-Bardin campus is located in [[Simi Valley, California]] and is home to Camp Alonim and the BCI Program, as well as "experiential learning" programs like the Jene Fellowship. The campus is also a retreat and conference center.
Graduates of this program have gone on to earn advanced degrees at institutions such as Harvard, Columbia, UCLA, and Georgetown.


===Student Life===
===Art galleries===
The '''Marjorie and Herman Platt Gallery''' and '''Borstein Art Gallery''' play host to many major exhibitions, both of Jewish and non-Jewish art. Past artists at the Platt Gallery have included [[David Hockney]], [[Jim Dine]] and [[Frank Stella]] as well as works by the Gallery's donor, [[Herman Platt]]. The Smalley Sculpture Garden on the campus grounds has a collection that includes the work of well-known contemporary sculptors. Dedicated in 1981, the sculptures include works by [[Beverly Pepper]], [[Sol LeWitt]], [[George Rickey]], [[Jenny Holzer]], [[Anthony Caro]] and [[George Rickey]].{{citation needed|date=August 2019}}
The American Jewish University is home to an active student life. Students are encouraged to participate in student organizations in order to enrich their undergraduate experience. If a student determines that an organization they might be interested in is not yet established, students are welcome to establish new clubs and receive funding based upon student support and need.


== Academics ==
Current student organizations include: the ASAJU (Student Government), Bio-Ethics Association, Casiano Chronicle (Student Newspaper), Cymbals, Hillel, Honor Society, Israel Action, NASHIR/AJU Choir, Political Science Association, Peer Mentoring Program, Psychology Association, Sports Club, and Tikkun Olam (Social Action).


== Graduate Study ==
=== Undergraduate ===
[[File:American Jewish University, Bel Air, California.JPG|thumb|left|Former Bel Air campus of American Jewish University]]
==== The Lieber School of Graduate Studies ====
The Lieber School of Graduate Studies offers programs in Nonprofit Management and Jewish Communal Studies. Students may earn a [[Master of Business Administration]] degree in Nonprofit Management, or students who have already earned a [[Master of Arts (postgraduate)|Master of Arts]] degree in some other field may earn an M.A. in Nonprofit Management. The Lieber School also offers an M.A. in Jewish Communal Studies, which consists of studies of management skills as well as Jewish texts, history, and sociology.


The College of Arts and Sciences was the program of undergraduate study at AJU. It was announced in October 2018 that the university would close the undergraduate program. The academic program granted the [[Bachelor of Arts]] degree.
The M.B.A. can be combined with the M.A. in Jewish Communal Studies and the other graduate degrees (see below).


The American Jewish University was home to an active undergraduate student life. Students were encouraged to participate in student organizations in order to enrich their undergraduate experience. If a student determined that an organization they might be interested in was not yet established, students were welcome to establish new clubs and receive funding based upon student support and need. Student organizations included: the ASAJU (Student Government), Bio-Ethics Association, Hillel, Honor Society, Israel Action, Model United Nations, Political Science Association, Peer Mentoring Program, Psychology Association, Sports Club, and Tikkun Olam (Social Action).
Graduates of this program take leadership positions in the management of a variety of non-profit organizations.


=== Graduate ===
==== The Fingerhut School of Education ====

The Fingerhut School of Education offers a [[Master of Arts (postgraduate)|Master of Arts]] in Education degree, in which students can choose to focus on Administration, Curriculum and Instruction, or Jewish Educational Foundations. The Fingerhut School of Education also offers a M.A.Ed. focusing on Experiential Jewish Education. Students in the M.A.Ed. program are also awarded a degree of Bachelor of Literature (B.Lit) in Hebrew Letters, focusing on Bible, Rabbinic Literature, Hebrew, or Jewish Philosophy.
==== The Graduate School of Nonprofit Management ====
In addition, the School offers the Master of Arts in Teaching degree which may be pursued on a part time basis.
The Graduate School of Nonprofit Management offers a customized [[Master of Business Administration]] degree in Nonprofit Management.

==== The Graduate Center for Jewish Education ====
The Fingerhut School of Education offers both a full and part-time Master of Arts in Education (MAEd), a half-time Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education (MAEd ECE) and a dual MAEd and MBA in Nonprofit Management degree. In addition, the Graduate Center for Jewish Education offers various certificate and continuing education initiatives for experienced educators.


==== The Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies ====
==== The Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies ====
{{Main|Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies}}
{{Main|Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies}}


In addition to Rabbinic ordination recognized by the Rabbinical Assembly of Conservative Judaism, the Ziegler School offers programs culminating in the awarding of a [[Master of Arts (postgraduate)|Master of Arts]] in Rabbinic Studies. This degree may be combined with the M.A.Ed. or M.B.A. programs.
In addition to Rabbinic ordination recognized by the Rabbinical Assembly of Conservative Judaism, the Ziegler School offers programs culminating in the awarding of a [[Master of Arts]] in Rabbinic Studies. This degree may be combined with the M.A.Ed. or M.B.A. programs. The Ziegler School also encompasses the [[Miller Introduction to Judaism Program]], which supports those who are considering converting to Judaism, as well as Jews who wish to reconnect with their heritage.


== Continuing Education ==
=== Continuing Education ===
AJU offers many programs of study through its Whizin Center for Continuing Education. These studies most often take the form of individual classes generally taken simply for personal enjoyment and edification. Classes are offered in language studies, [[Jewish studies]], [[literature]], [[fine arts]], [[dance]] and [[physical fitness|fitness]], [[performance arts]], and other varied areas. One of its largest programs is the annual Public Lecture Series held at Universal Studios' Gibson Amphitheater and is attended by five to six thousand series ticket holders. Featured speakers have included President [[Bill Clinton]], [[Secretaries of State]] [[Henry Kissinger]], [[Madeleine Albright]] and [[Colin Powell]], as well as Israeli [[Prime Ministers]] [[Ehud Barak]] and [[Shimon Peres]].
AJU offers many programs of study through its Whizin Center for Continuing Education. These studies most often take the form of individual classes generally taken simply for personal enjoyment and edification. Classes are offered in language studies, [[Jewish studies]], [[literature]], [[fine arts]], [[dance]] and [[physical fitness|fitness]], [[performance arts]], and other varied areas. One of its largest programs is the annual Public Lecture Series held at Universal Studios' Gibson Amphitheater and is attended by five to six thousand series ticket holders. Featured speakers have included President [[Bill Clinton]], [[Secretaries of State]] [[Henry Kissinger]], [[Madeleine Albright]] and [[Colin Powell]], as well as Israeli [[Prime Ministers]] [[Ehud Barak]] and [[Shimon Peres]].


== History ==
==Gallery==
These images depict AJU's former Bel Air campus.
The University of Judaism was founded in 1947. The spiritual founder was Dr. [[Mordecai Kaplan]], a Jewish thinker and philosopher who wanted to create an institution representing the diversity of Judaic expression in the United States. Initially a project of the [[Jewish Theological Seminary]] in [[New York City]] and the [[Bureau of Jewish Education]] of [[Los Angeles]], the UJ became an independent institution in the 1970s. It became officially non-demoninational with the ascension to the presidency of Dr. Robert Wexler in 1992. Dr. Wexler was preceded in the presidency by Dr. [[Simon Greenberg]] (1947-1963) and Dr. David Lieber (1963-1992).
<gallery class="center">
Image:AJU Scenic View 1.jpg|
Image:AJU Scenic View 2.jpg|
Image:AJU View From Dorms.jpg|
Image:View From AJU Dorms 2.jpg|
</gallery>


== Notable faculty and staff ==
In March [[2007]], officials from both University of Judaism and the [[Brandeis-Bardin Institute]], an education and camping organization in [[Simi Valley, California|Simi Valley]], announced they would merge into a new organization called the American Jewish University with UJ President Dr. Robert Wexler at the helm.<ref>[http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-briefs22.2mar22,1,2511043.story 2 Jewish educational institutes are merging], ''Los Angeles Times'', March 22, 2007.</ref>
*[[Bradley Shavit Artson]], Vice President and Dean of the [[Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies]]
*[[Maurice Ascalon]], Faculty, School of Fine Arts, University of Judaism
*[[Michael Berenbaum]] , Director, Sigi Ziering Institute and Professor
*[[Aryeh Cohen]], Professor of Rabbinic Literature
*[[Elliot Dorff]], Rector and Distinguished Professor of Jewish Philosophy
*[[David Lieber]], President Emeritus
*[[Rabbi Robert Wexler]], President Emeritus and Lou and Irma Colen Distinguished Service Lecturer In Bible


== Campus resources ==
== See also ==
{{Portal|Los Angeles}}
The Ostrow Library boasts over 120,000 volumes, extensive electronic resources, and contains one of the West Coast's largest collections of Judaica.
* [[List of colleges and universities in California]]

* [[List of Jewish universities and colleges in the United States]]
The Gindi Auditorium is the setting of many concerts, celebrations, and other programs.
* [[History of the Jews in Los Angeles]]

The Max and Pauline Zimmer Conference Center is a 96 acre (388,000 m²) campus in [[Ojai, California]]. It is home to [[Camp Ramah]] of California.

==Art Galleries==

The Platt and Borstein Art Galleries play host to many major exhibitions, both of Jewish and non-Jewish art, and is one of [[Los Angeles]]'s important art galleries.

The Smalley Sculpture Garden on the campus grounds has a collection that includes the work of well-known contemporary sculptors. Dedicated in 1981, the sculptures include works by [[Beverly Pepper]], [[Sol Lewitt]], [[George Rickey]], [[Jenny Holzer]], [[Anthony Caro]] and [[George Rickey]].

== Faculty and staff ==
''This is not an exhaustive list.''

*Robert Wexler, Ph.D. (President)
*[[David Lieber]], D.H.L. (President Emeritus)
*Mark Bookman, J.D. (Senior Vice-President and CAO)
*[[Bradley Shavit Artson]] (Vice President and Dean of the [[Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies]])
*Gary Brennglass (Vice President for Facilities)
*Gady Levy, Ed.D. (Vice President and Dean of the Whizin Center for Continuing Education)
*Jay Strear (Vice President for Development)
*Zofia Yalovsky (Vice President and COO)
*Iris Waskow (Senior Director of Communications)
*Nina Lieberman Giladi (Dean of the School of Management)
*Sam Edelman, Ph.D. (Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences)
*Rami Wernik (Dean of the Fingerhut School of Education)
*[[Elliot Dorff]], Ph.D. (Rector and Distinguished Professor of Jewish Philosophy)
*Ziony Zevit, Ph.D. (Distinguished Professor of Bible and Northwest Semitics)
*Ron Wolfson, Ph.D. (Professor of Education)
*Aryeh Cohen, Ph.D. (Associate Professor of Rabbinic Literature)
*Gail Labovitz, Ph.D. (Chair and Assistant Professor of Rabbinic Literature)


== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
*[http://www.ajula.edu/ American Jewish University]
{{Commons category|American Jewish University}}
*[https://www.aju.edu/ Official website]
*[http://culture.ajula.edu/default.asp Culture at American Jewish University]
*[http://www.ajula.edu/mba MBA in nonprofit management program at American Jewish University]
*[http://www.jewishjournal.com/home/searchview.php?id=17407 Jewish Journal Article from March 2007 regarding merger with Brandeis-Bardin Institute]
*[http://www.CelebrationOfJewishBooks.com ''Celebration of Jewish Books'': Jewish book fair in Los Angeles, sponsored by American Jewish University]
*[http://www.GellerScreenwriting.org ''Geller Screenwriting Competition'': $25,000 screenwriting competition sponsored by American Jewish University]


{{coord|34|07|40.18|N|118|28|17.95|W|type:edu_scale:1000|display=title}}


{{Colleges and universities in Los Angeles County}}
{{Conservative Judaism}}
{{Conservative Judaism}}
{{Organized Jewish Life in the United States}}<!--cat sort position-->

{{authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Judaism, University of}}
[[Category:American Jewish University| ]]
[[Category:Universities and colleges in California]]
[[Category:Jewish universities and colleges in the United States]]
[[Category:Jewish universities and colleges]]
[[Category:Universities and colleges in Los Angeles]]
[[Category:Los Angeles area universities and colleges]]
[[Category:Conservative Judaism in California]]
[[Category:Western Association of Schools and Colleges]]
[[Category:Jewish seminaries]]
[[Category:Educational institutions established in 1947]]
[[Category:Jews and Judaism in Los Angeles]]
[[Category:Schools accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges]]
[[Category:Universities and colleges established in 1947]]
[[Category:1947 establishments in California]]
[[Category:Private universities and colleges in California]]

Latest revision as of 01:32, 21 March 2024

American Jewish University
MottoEducation demands innovation...
TypePrivate university
Established1947
Religious affiliation
Jewish
Endowment$100 Million (2020)
PresidentJeffrey Herbst
Location
Los Angeles
,
California
,
United States
CampusUrban
MascotZion the Lion
Websitewww.aju.edu

American Jewish University (AJU) is a private Jewish university in Los Angeles, California. It was formed in 2007 from the merger of the University of Judaism and Brandeis-Bardin Institute.

AJU's academic division includes the College of Arts and Sciences, the Fingerhut School of Education, The David L. Lieber Graduate School, and the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies, a Conservative Jewish rabbinical seminary. AJU is host to the Miller Introduction to Judaism Program, which prepares students to convert to Judaism and engages interfaith couples and families, as well as three think tanks: the Institute on American Jewish-Israel Relations, and the Sigi Ziering Institute for Exploring the Ethical and Religious Implications of the Holocaust and the Center for Policy Options. At its Brandeis-Bardin Campus, the University oversees Camp Alonim, Gan Alonim Day Camp and the BCI Program. Its largest component is its Whizin Center for Continuing Education in which 12,000 students are enrolled annually in non-credit granting courses. Classes, lectures, author events, concerts and performances are offered daytime and evening for all ages of the community.

History[edit]

The University of Judaism was founded in 1947. The spiritual founder was Mordecai Kaplan, a Jewish thinker and philosopher whose goal was to create an institution representing the diversity of Judaic expression in the United States. The co-founder was Rabbi Jacob Pressman.[1] Initially a project of the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City and the Bureau of Jewish Education of Greater Los Angeles, the UJ became an independent institution in the 1970s. It became officially non-denominational with the ascension to the presidency of Robert Wexler (1992-2018) at the beginning of his tenure. Wexler was preceded in the presidency by Simon Greenberg (1947–1963) and David Lieber (1963–1992). The current president is Jeffrey Herbst (2018–present).[2]

In March 2007, officials from the University of Judaism and the Brandeis-Bardin Institute, an education and camping organization in Simi Valley, announced the two parties would merge into a new organization called the American Jewish University.[3]

Campus resources and facilities[edit]

The American Jewish University campus in Bel Air, California[4] is home to the Ostrow Library, which contains over 120,000 volumes, electronic resources, and contains one of the West Coast's largest collections of Judaica.[5] The campus also includes the Gindi Auditorium, a 475-seat theatre featuring concerts, celebrations, and other programs. The campus also includes dormitories and a recently completed student union with fitness facilities, a basketball court, and grass field.[citation needed]

American Jewish University's Brandeis-Bardin campus is located in Simi Valley, California and is home to Camp Alonim and the BCI Program, as well as "experiential learning" programs like the Jene Fellowship. The campus is also a retreat and conference center.

Art galleries[edit]

The Marjorie and Herman Platt Gallery and Borstein Art Gallery play host to many major exhibitions, both of Jewish and non-Jewish art. Past artists at the Platt Gallery have included David Hockney, Jim Dine and Frank Stella as well as works by the Gallery's donor, Herman Platt. The Smalley Sculpture Garden on the campus grounds has a collection that includes the work of well-known contemporary sculptors. Dedicated in 1981, the sculptures include works by Beverly Pepper, Sol LeWitt, George Rickey, Jenny Holzer, Anthony Caro and George Rickey.[citation needed]

Academics[edit]

Undergraduate[edit]

Former Bel Air campus of American Jewish University

The College of Arts and Sciences was the program of undergraduate study at AJU. It was announced in October 2018 that the university would close the undergraduate program. The academic program granted the Bachelor of Arts degree.

The American Jewish University was home to an active undergraduate student life. Students were encouraged to participate in student organizations in order to enrich their undergraduate experience. If a student determined that an organization they might be interested in was not yet established, students were welcome to establish new clubs and receive funding based upon student support and need. Student organizations included: the ASAJU (Student Government), Bio-Ethics Association, Hillel, Honor Society, Israel Action, Model United Nations, Political Science Association, Peer Mentoring Program, Psychology Association, Sports Club, and Tikkun Olam (Social Action).

Graduate[edit]

The Graduate School of Nonprofit Management[edit]

The Graduate School of Nonprofit Management offers a customized Master of Business Administration degree in Nonprofit Management.

The Graduate Center for Jewish Education[edit]

The Fingerhut School of Education offers both a full and part-time Master of Arts in Education (MAEd), a half-time Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education (MAEd ECE) and a dual MAEd and MBA in Nonprofit Management degree. In addition, the Graduate Center for Jewish Education offers various certificate and continuing education initiatives for experienced educators.

The Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies[edit]

Main article: Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies

In addition to Rabbinic ordination recognized by the Rabbinical Assembly of Conservative Judaism, the Ziegler School offers programs culminating in the awarding of a Master of Arts in Rabbinic Studies. This degree may be combined with the M.A.Ed. or M.B.A. programs. The Ziegler School also encompasses the Miller Introduction to Judaism Program, which supports those who are considering converting to Judaism, as well as Jews who wish to reconnect with their heritage.

Continuing Education[edit]

AJU offers many programs of study through its Whizin Center for Continuing Education. These studies most often take the form of individual classes generally taken simply for personal enjoyment and edification. Classes are offered in language studies, Jewish studies, literature, fine arts, dance and fitness, performance arts, and other varied areas. One of its largest programs is the annual Public Lecture Series held at Universal Studios' Gibson Amphitheater and is attended by five to six thousand series ticket holders. Featured speakers have included President Bill Clinton, Secretaries of State Henry Kissinger, Madeleine Albright and Colin Powell, as well as Israeli Prime Ministers Ehud Barak and Shimon Peres.

Gallery[edit]

These images depict AJU's former Bel Air campus.

Notable faculty and staff[edit]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Larry B. Stammer, A Witness to Hate and Hope, The Los Angeles Times, October 23, 1999
  2. ^ "Changing of the AJU Guard"
  3. ^ "2 Jewish educational institutes are merging," Los Angeles Times, March 22, 2007
  4. ^ Elia-Shalev, Asaf (June 10, 2023). "$65 million deal to sell American Jewish University's LA campus collapses". Times of Israel. Retrieved June 11, 2023.
  5. ^ Raziel, Benjamin (March 25, 2021). "American Jewish University Seeking Partner to Share Bel Air Campus Space". Jewish Journal. Retrieved December 13, 2021.

External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to American Jewish University.

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