The leader in pluralistic education.
The Academy for Jewish Religion (AJR) offers two programs leading to ordination as Rav U-moreh/morah B’Yisrael (Rabbi and Teacher in Israel), and Hazzan U-Moreh/Morah B’Yisrael (Hazzan/Cantor and Teacher in Israel). AJR also offers a (Kol-Bo) dual-ordination program, as both Rabbi and Hazzan, a special “Cantors to Rabbis” track for ordained cantors, as well as a Master’s Program in Jewish Studies. All of AJR’s programs offer depth, rigor and integrity as they embrace academic scholarship and traditional Jewish study, together with training in professional skills and spiritual preparation.
Distance Learning
AJR offers the opportunity for people from around the world to pursue their dream of becoming Jewish clergy without needing to uproot themselves. All required classes are offered via Zoom and ordination students are only required to gather in person at an offsite location twice a year for our multiday communal events in the fall and spring trimesters. For those who wish to take some courses in person at the AJR campus, we regularly offer an onsite intersession course option, together with an online option, in between each of the three terms.
The atmosphere, described by one student as a “community of loving learners,” is fostered by students, faculty, and administration and revolves around the traditional values of ahavat Torah (love of Torah), ahavat Yisrael (love of the people Israel), kavod laTorah (honor and respect for Torah), and ahavat HaShem (love of God).
