Arnold Eisen

Arnold Eisen, Ph.D. (1951-) is Daniel E. Koshland Professor in Jewish Culture and Religion at Stanford University. He joined the Stanford faculty in 1986. Prior to teaching at Stanford, he has taught at Tel Aviv University and Columbia University. According to a report in the Jewish Telegraphic Agency and The Forward, Dr. Eisen is set to become the next Chancellor of the Jewish Theological Seminary, replacing Rabbi Dr. Ismar Schorsch. If confirmed, Dr. Eisen will be the second non-rabbi, after Cyrus Adler, to hold this post.

Dr. Eisen is a Jewish Studies scholar in the sociology of religion. He received his doctorate from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and has also earned degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and Oxford University. He believes that American Jews feel connected to Jewish ritual but maintain autonomy to decide what to practice and thus many do not attend synagogue on a regular basis.

Professor Eisen is an expert in religious change and the modern transformation of Jewish religious belief and practice. He has written various books on American Judaism.

Sources:

[1] - Biography: ArnoldEisen
[2] - Sources say JTS Set to Select Eisen As Chancellor -- Forward
[3] Arnie Eisen: Teaching Religion Raises Devlish Questions