Mission Statement
The Academy for Jewish Religion serves the needs of the Jewish People by ordaining rabbis and cantors and training leaders. We affirm our commitment to a vibrant and inclusive Jewish pluralism; to an interweaving of sacred texts, critical inquiry, spiritual engagement, innovative approaches, and thoughtful creativity; to providing educational content to the Jewish public; to creating opportunities for dialogue with interfaith partners; and to meaningful engagement with the diverse spiritual, cultural, and historical dimensions of Israel – all grounded in Torah and a profound awareness of living in the presence of God.

AJR ordinees are fully prepared to:
- Officiate at traditional and innovative Jewish life-cycle ceremonies
- Lead dynamic, spiritually uplifting religious services using the liturgy of all denominations
- Provide skillful, compassionate counseling
- Serve as engaged teachers of Torah, using both traditional and contemporary interpretations
- Incorporate spiritual practices and meditative techniques into their personal and communal prayer experiences
- Guide congregations in their creation of supportive and religiously-meaningful communities
- Use entrepreneurial skills to build strong welcoming communities