1. All applicants seeking ordination must be Jewish according to the following definition: Either the biological mother of the applicant is Jewish, or the applicant has undergone conversion through a certified Beit Din with tevilah and milah or hatafat dam brit, if applicable.
    The spouse or life partner of the applicant seeking ordination must also be Jewish. It is the conviction of the Academy that this requirement enables our students and our graduates to serve the widest spectrum of the Jewish community as leaders and as exemplars of Jewish life.
  2. Applicants must hold a B.A., B.S., or a B.F.A. from an accredited college or university.
  3. Applicants must pass a Hebrew Placement Test, which measures the applicant’s Hebrew language skills. Details and guidance regarding this test are available through our Dean of Admissions.
  4. Applicants to the Cantorial Program should have some formal training in music. This is described in the application packet. They should have pleasing voices, with evidence of the training appropriate to a vocal professional. The Entrance Examination for the Cantorial program will include a section on harmony and music theory.
  5. Applicants must demonstrate commitment to Jewish religious life and have the potential to become a religious leader of the Jewish people.