AJR’s approach to pluralism is an appreciation of diversity; but it is much more than that. Our approach to pluralism expects members of our community to cherish one another.
“The Academy for Jewish Religion plays a critically important role in the American religious landscape because not only do they train leaders for the Jewish community, they train leaders who embody and live up to precisely the kind of pluralism which we need now more than perhaps any time in any of our lives.”
– Rabbi Brad Hirschfield, President, Clal
Cherishing means finding value in ideas other than your own and truly believing that you can learn from them.
Cherishing means not only that you respect others, but that you know that your perspective, your life, and your approach to Jewish life are richer and deeper because of your interaction with other views and approaches.
In a community that cherishes the other, individuals know that each of us benefits from being a part of a pluralistic community: not only by learning from others, but by becoming who we want and need to be.
AJR Institute of Applied Pluralism
Interweaving Divergent Voices
In 2022 AJR launched the first of five Centers connected to our new Institute of Applied Pluralism. We will continue to launch one Center each year until our 70th Anniversary. These Centers expand the amazing work AJR has done for its students to the wider public.
Center for Interfaith Clergy Relations
AJR has created a series of 25 short, accessible videos about Jews and Judaism, especially for a Christian seminary audience – you can find the videos HERE.
Learn more about the video series in this brief webinar:
Center for Judaism and Science
You can find recordings from our Conversions on Religion and Science in partnership with Americans for Ben Gurion University here:
Rabbis and Science: Surprising Interactions (2024)
What do Judaism and Science Have in Common? (2023)
Read winning entries from our annual Science D’var Torah competition HERE.
Center for Sacred Arts
You can find the recording of our Center for Sacred Arts launch HERE.
Center for Judaism and Science
Bringing together ways of understanding
Center for Interfaith Clergy Relations
Bringing together Jewish & Christian Leaders
Center for Sacred Arts
Bringing together the heart and the mind
Center for Pluralism
Pluralism resources for the Jewish community
Center for Peace Studies / Conflict Resolution
Bringing together people in conflict