For rabbis looking to pursue their professional musical aspirations.
AJR proudly offers rabbis a streamlined but rigorous opportunity to add cantorial ordination to their already impressive mastery of Jewish text and tradition. This track of the Cantorial Program is for those ordained rabbis who are looking for more than just continuing education – it is designed for those seeking intensive pursuit of an additional respected degree.
Course Requirements
The Rabbis to Cantors track of the Cantorial Program requires a minimum of 60 credits. In addition, students are responsible for taking the comprehensive exams required of cantorial students, for fulfilling the requisite Ritual Skills requirement, and for performing an annual Practicum. Students in this track who have not already completed a Master’s Degree in Jewish Studies or in a Jewish field will also need to complete the AJR Master’s in Jewish Studies, including a Master’s Project, as part of their program, which typically adds an additional 30 credits.
Course requirements assume significant competency in areas such as Hebrew, Liturgy, Music Skills 1 & 2, Cantillation 1 (Torah and Haftarah) and facility with an instrument. Proficiency will be evaluated on an individual basis. If necessary, students may be required to take additional courses.
Scholarship Opportunity
A special scholarship for students enrolled in the Rabbis to Cantors track discounts the part-time tuition to $980 per credit. Students considering full-time study should contact the office for more information.
