University of Judaism
Encyclopedia
The American Jewish University, formerly the separate institutions University of Judaism and Brandeis-Bardin Institute
, is a Jewish, non-denominational educational institution in Los Angeles
, California
.
Its largest component is its Whizin Center for Continuing Education in which 12,000 students are enrolled annually in non-credit granting courses. A prominent program of the Center is the university's annual speaker series, featuring luminaries like Tony Blair, Colin Powell, and other political and diplomatic leaders. AJU's academic division includes the College of Arts and Sciences, leading to a B.A. degree in majors such as Bioethics (pre-med), Business, Communication Arts & Advocacy, Jewish Studies, Political Science and Psychology. In addition, AJU offers graduate degrees through the Fingerhut School of Education, The David L. Lieber Graduate School, and the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies
, a Conservative
Jewish rabbinical seminary. AJU is host to two "think tanks," the Center for Israel Studies (CIS) and the Sigi Ziering Institute: Exploring the Ethical and Religious Implications of the Holocaust. Through the Brandeis-Bardin Institute, the University has oversight over Camp Alonim and Gan Alonim Day Camp.
, a Jewish thinker and philosopher whose goal was to create an institution representing the diversity of Judaic expression in the United States. Initially a project of the Jewish Theological Seminary
in New York City
and the Bureau of Jewish Education of Greater Los Angeles
, the UJ became an independent institution in the 1970s. It became officially non-denominational with the ascension to the presidency of Dr. Robert Wexler in 1992. Dr. Wexler was preceded in the presidency by Dr. Simon Greenberg
(1947–1963) and Dr. David Lieber (1963–1992).
In March 2007, officials from both the University of Judaism and the Brandeis-Bardin Institute
, an education and camping organization in Simi Valley
, announced the two parties would merge into a new organization called the American Jewish University with UJ President Dr. Robert Wexler at the helm.
The Max and Pauline Zimmer Conference Center is a 96 acres (38.8 ha) campus in Ojai
, California
. It is home to Camp Ramah in California
.
, Jim Dine
and Frank Stella
as well as works by the Gallery's donor, Herman Platt
. The Smalley Sculpture Garden on the campus grounds has a collection that includes the work of well-known contemporary sculptors. Dedicated in 1981, the sculptures include works by Beverly Pepper
, Sol LeWitt
, George Rickey
, Jenny Holzer
, Anthony Caro
and George Rickey
.
The College of Arts and Sciences is the program of undergraduate study at AJU.
The academic program itself at the College grants the Bachelor of Arts
degree. The core curriculum consists of over half the required credits during a student's time at the College, and consists of the study of Western, non-Western, and Jewish civilizations, foreign language studies, arts, science, math, and computer study. Several academic majors and minors are offered including:
The College also permits students to design their own majors, minors, and individualized programs of study in consultation with their academic advisor. The College encourages students to take leadership roles both on campus and in social, political, and religious work in the greater Los Angeles area.
Current student organizations include: the ASAJU (Student Government), Bio-Ethics Association, Casiano Chronicle (Student Newspaper), Cymbals, Hillel, Honor Society, Israel Action, NASHIR/AJU Choir, Political Science Association, Peer Mentoring Program, Psychology Association, Sports Club, and Tikkun Olam (Social Action).
degree in Nonprofit Management, or students who have already earned a Master of Arts
degree in some other field may earn an M.A. in Nonprofit Management. The Lieber School also offers an M.A. in Jewish Communal Studies, which consists of studies of management skills as well as Jewish texts, history, and sociology.
The M.B.A. can be combined with the M.A. in Jewish Communal Studies and the other graduate degrees (see below).
Graduates of this program take leadership positions in the management of a variety of non-profit organizations.
in Education degree, in which students can choose to focus on Administration, Curriculum and Instruction, or Jewish Educational Foundations. The Fingerhut School of Education also offers a M.A.Ed. focusing on Experiential Jewish Education. Students in the M.A.Ed. program are also awarded a degree of Bachelor of Literature (B.Lit) in Hebrew Letters, focusing on Bible, Rabbinic Literature, Hebrew, or Jewish Philosophy.
In addition, the School offers the Master of Arts in Teaching degree which may be pursued on a part time basis.
in Rabbinic Studies. This degree may be combined with the M.A.Ed. or M.B.A. programs.
, literature
, fine arts, dance
and fitness
, performance arts, and other varied areas. One of its largest programs is the annual Public Lecture Series held at Universal Studios' Gibson Amphitheater and is attended by five to six thousand series ticket holders. Featured speakers have included President Bill Clinton
, Secretaries of State Henry Kissinger
, Madeleine Albright
and Colin Powell
, as well as Israeli Prime Ministers Ehud Barak
and Shimon Peres
.
Brandeis-Bardin Institute
The Brandeis-Bardin Campus of American Jewish University is a Jewish retreat located in Simi Valley, California, USA. Formerly known as the Brandeis-Bardin Institute, it is used for nondenominational summer programs for children, teens and young adults....
, is a Jewish, non-denominational educational institution in Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
.
Its largest component is its Whizin Center for Continuing Education in which 12,000 students are enrolled annually in non-credit granting courses. A prominent program of the Center is the university's annual speaker series, featuring luminaries like Tony Blair, Colin Powell, and other political and diplomatic leaders. AJU's academic division includes the College of Arts and Sciences, leading to a B.A. degree in majors such as Bioethics (pre-med), Business, Communication Arts & Advocacy, Jewish Studies, Political Science and Psychology. In addition, AJU offers graduate degrees through the Fingerhut School of Education, The David L. Lieber Graduate School, and the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies
Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies
The Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies, informally known as the "Ziegler School" or simply "Ziegler", is the graduate program of study leading to Ordination as Conservative Rabbis at the American Jewish University...
, a Conservative
Conservative Judaism
Conservative Judaism is a modern stream of Judaism that arose out of intellectual currents in Germany in the mid-19th century and took institutional form in the United States in the early 1900s.Conservative Judaism has its roots in the school of thought known as Positive-Historical Judaism,...
Jewish rabbinical seminary. AJU is host to two "think tanks," the Center for Israel Studies (CIS) and the Sigi Ziering Institute: Exploring the Ethical and Religious Implications of the Holocaust. Through the Brandeis-Bardin Institute, the University has oversight over Camp Alonim and Gan Alonim Day Camp.
History
The University of Judaism was founded in 1947. The spiritual founder was Dr. Mordecai KaplanMordecai Kaplan
Mordecai Menahem Kaplan , was a rabbi, essayist and Jewish educator and the co-founder of Reconstructionist Judaism along with his son-in-law Ira Eisenstein.-Life and work:...
, a Jewish thinker and philosopher whose goal was to create an institution representing the diversity of Judaic expression in the United States. Initially a project of the Jewish Theological Seminary
Jewish Theological Seminary of America
The Jewish Theological Seminary of America is one of the academic and spiritual centers of Conservative Judaism, and a major center for academic scholarship in Jewish studies.JTS operates five schools: Albert A...
in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
and the Bureau of Jewish Education of Greater Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
, the UJ became an independent institution in the 1970s. It became officially non-denominational with the ascension to the presidency of Dr. Robert Wexler in 1992. Dr. Wexler was preceded in the presidency by Dr. Simon Greenberg
Simon Greenberg
Dr. Simon Greenberg, was a Russian born American Conservative rabbi and scholar. Greenberg was part of the senior management of many Jewish organizations in America. He helped to found a number of institutions, including the American Jewish University, of which he was the first President...
(1947–1963) and Dr. David Lieber (1963–1992).
In March 2007, officials from both the University of Judaism and the Brandeis-Bardin Institute
Brandeis-Bardin Institute
The Brandeis-Bardin Campus of American Jewish University is a Jewish retreat located in Simi Valley, California, USA. Formerly known as the Brandeis-Bardin Institute, it is used for nondenominational summer programs for children, teens and young adults....
, an education and camping organization in Simi Valley
Simi Valley, California
-2010:The 2010 United States Census reported that Simi Valley had a population of 124,237. The population density was 2,940.8 people per square mile...
, announced the two parties would merge into a new organization called the American Jewish University with UJ President Dr. Robert Wexler at the helm.
Campus resources and facilities
The American Jewish University is home to the Ostrow Library, which boasts over 120,000 volumes, extensive electronic resources, and contains one of the West Coast's largest collections of Judaica. The campus also includes the Gindi Auditorium, a 475 seat theatre featuring many concerts, celebrations, and other programs. The campus also includes dormitories and a recently completed student union with fitness facilities, a basketball court, and grass field.The Max and Pauline Zimmer Conference Center is a 96 acres (38.8 ha) campus in Ojai
Ojai, California
Ojai is a city in Ventura County, California, USA. It is situated in the Ojai Valley , surrounded by hills and mountains. The population was 7,461 at the 2010 census, down from 7,862 at the 2000 census.-History:Chumash Indians were the early inhabitants of the valley...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
. It is home to Camp Ramah in California
Camp Ramah in California
Camp Ramah in California is a Jewish summer camp located in Ojai, California.The camp is affiliated with the Conservative Movement and observes the laws of Judaism, Shabbat, and the laws of Kashrut.-History:...
.
Art galleries
The Marjorie and Herman Platt Gallery and Borstein Art Gallery play host to many major exhibitions, both of Jewish and non-Jewish art. Past artists at the Platt Gallery have included David HockneyDavid Hockney
David Hockney, CH, RA, is an English painter, draughtsman, printmaker, stage designer and photographer, who is based in Bridlington, Yorkshire and Kensington, London....
, Jim Dine
Jim Dine
Jim Dine is an American pop artist. He is sometimes considered to be a part of the Neo-Dada movement. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, attended Walnut Hills High School, the University of Cincinnati, and received a BFA from Ohio University in 1957. He first earned respect in the art world with...
and Frank Stella
Frank Stella
Frank Stella is an American painter and printmaker, significant within the art movements of minimalism and post-painterly abstraction.-Biography:...
as well as works by the Gallery's donor, Herman Platt
Herman Platt
Herman Platt was an American business executive and philanthropist. He and his wife endowed the Marjorie and Herman Platt Gallery. Platt was also the president of Sinai Temple for two years. Platt was the president of Vista del Mar Charities and was one of the men responsible for creating Mount...
. The Smalley Sculpture Garden on the campus grounds has a collection that includes the work of well-known contemporary sculptors. Dedicated in 1981, the sculptures include works by Beverly Pepper
Beverly Pepper
Beverly Pepper is a pioneering sculptor known for her monumental works,site specific and land art. She remains independent from any particular art movement.- Early Life and Education :...
, Sol LeWitt
Sol LeWitt
Solomon "Sol" LeWitt was an American artist linked to various movements, including Conceptual art and Minimalism....
, George Rickey
George Rickey
George Rickey was an American kinetic sculptor.Rickey was born on June 6, 1907 in South Bend, Indiana.-Life and work:...
, Jenny Holzer
Jenny Holzer
Jenny Holzer is an American conceptual artist. Holzer lives and works in Hoosick Falls, New York.-Education:...
, Anthony Caro
Anthony Caro
Sir Anthony Alfred Caro, OM, CBE is an English abstract sculptor whose work is characterised by assemblages of metal using 'found' industrial objects.-Background and early life:...
and George Rickey
George Rickey
George Rickey was an American kinetic sculptor.Rickey was born on June 6, 1907 in South Bend, Indiana.-Life and work:...
.
The College of Arts and Sciences
The academic program itself at the College grants the Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Arts
A Bachelor of Arts , from the Latin artium baccalaureus, is a bachelor's degree awarded for an undergraduate course or program in either the liberal arts, the sciences, or both...
degree. The core curriculum consists of over half the required credits during a student's time at the College, and consists of the study of Western, non-Western, and Jewish civilizations, foreign language studies, arts, science, math, and computer study. Several academic majors and minors are offered including:
- BioethicsBioethicsBioethics is the study of controversial ethics brought about by advances in biology and medicine. Bioethicists are concerned with the ethical questions that arise in the relationships among life sciences, biotechnology, medicine, politics, law, and philosophy....
, BusinessBusinessA business is an organization engaged in the trade of goods, services, or both to consumers. Businesses are predominant in capitalist economies, where most of them are privately owned and administered to earn profit to increase the wealth of their owners. Businesses may also be not-for-profit...
, English and LiteratureEnglish studiesEnglish studies is an academic discipline that includes the study of literatures written in the English language , English linguistics English studies is an academic discipline that includes the study of literatures written in the English language (including literatures from the U.K., U.S.,...
, Jewish StudiesJewish studiesJewish studies is an academic discipline centered on the study of Jews and Judaism. Jewish studies is interdisciplinary and combines aspects of history , religious studies, archeology, sociology, languages , political science, area studies, women's studies, and ethnic studies...
, JournalismJournalismJournalism is the practice of investigation and reporting of events, issues and trends to a broad audience in a timely fashion. Though there are many variations of journalism, the ideal is to inform the intended audience. Along with covering organizations and institutions such as government and...
, Liberal Studies, Literature and Politics, Media, Communications, Political SciencePolitical sciencePolitical Science is a social science discipline concerned with the study of the state, government and politics. Aristotle defined it as the study of the state. It deals extensively with the theory and practice of politics, and the analysis of political systems and political behavior...
, Behavioral Sciences (Psychology), and U.S. Public PolicyPublic policyPublic policy as government action is generally the principled guide to action taken by the administrative or executive branches of the state with regard to a class of issues in a manner consistent with law and institutional customs. In general, the foundation is the pertinent national and...
The College also permits students to design their own majors, minors, and individualized programs of study in consultation with their academic advisor. The College encourages students to take leadership roles both on campus and in social, political, and religious work in the greater Los Angeles area.
Student life
The American Jewish University is home to an active student life. Students are encouraged to participate in student organizations in order to enrich their undergraduate experience. If a student determines that an organization they might be interested in is not yet established, students are welcome to establish new clubs and receive funding based upon student support and need.Current student organizations include: the ASAJU (Student Government), Bio-Ethics Association, Casiano Chronicle (Student Newspaper), Cymbals, Hillel, Honor Society, Israel Action, NASHIR/AJU Choir, Political Science Association, Peer Mentoring Program, Psychology Association, Sports Club, and Tikkun Olam (Social Action).
The Lieber School of Graduate Studies
The Lieber School of Graduate Studies offers programs in Nonprofit Management and Jewish Communal Studies. Students may earn a Master of Business AdministrationMaster of Business Administration
The Master of Business Administration is a :master's degree in business administration, which attracts people from a wide range of academic disciplines. The MBA designation originated in the United States, emerging from the late 19th century as the country industrialized and companies sought out...
degree in Nonprofit Management, or students who have already earned a Master of Arts
Master of Arts (postgraduate)
A Master of Arts from the Latin Magister Artium, is a type of Master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. The M.A. is usually contrasted with the M.S. or M.Sc. degrees...
degree in some other field may earn an M.A. in Nonprofit Management. The Lieber School also offers an M.A. in Jewish Communal Studies, which consists of studies of management skills as well as Jewish texts, history, and sociology.
The M.B.A. can be combined with the M.A. in Jewish Communal Studies and the other graduate degrees (see below).
Graduates of this program take leadership positions in the management of a variety of non-profit organizations.
The Fingerhut School of Education
The Fingerhut School of Education offers a Master of ArtsMaster of Arts (postgraduate)
A Master of Arts from the Latin Magister Artium, is a type of Master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. The M.A. is usually contrasted with the M.S. or M.Sc. degrees...
in Education degree, in which students can choose to focus on Administration, Curriculum and Instruction, or Jewish Educational Foundations. The Fingerhut School of Education also offers a M.A.Ed. focusing on Experiential Jewish Education. Students in the M.A.Ed. program are also awarded a degree of Bachelor of Literature (B.Lit) in Hebrew Letters, focusing on Bible, Rabbinic Literature, Hebrew, or Jewish Philosophy.
In addition, the School offers the Master of Arts in Teaching degree which may be pursued on a part time basis.
The Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies
In addition to Rabbinic ordination recognized by the Rabbinical Assembly of Conservative Judaism, the Ziegler School offers programs culminating in the awarding of a Master of ArtsMaster of Arts (postgraduate)
A Master of Arts from the Latin Magister Artium, is a type of Master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. The M.A. is usually contrasted with the M.S. or M.Sc. degrees...
in Rabbinic Studies. This degree may be combined with the M.A.Ed. or M.B.A. programs.
Continuing education
AJU offers many programs of study through its Whizin Center for Continuing Education. These studies most often take the form of individual classes generally taken simply for personal enjoyment and edification. Classes are offered in language studies, Jewish studiesJewish studies
Jewish studies is an academic discipline centered on the study of Jews and Judaism. Jewish studies is interdisciplinary and combines aspects of history , religious studies, archeology, sociology, languages , political science, area studies, women's studies, and ethnic studies...
, literature
Literature
Literature is the art of written works, and is not bound to published sources...
, fine arts, dance
Dance
Dance is an art form that generally refers to movement of the body, usually rhythmic and to music, used as a form of expression, social interaction or presented in a spiritual or performance setting....
and fitness
Physical fitness
Physical fitness comprises two related concepts: general fitness , and specific fitness...
, performance arts, and other varied areas. One of its largest programs is the annual Public Lecture Series held at Universal Studios' Gibson Amphitheater and is attended by five to six thousand series ticket holders. Featured speakers have included President Bill Clinton
Bill Clinton
William Jefferson "Bill" Clinton is an American politician who served as the 42nd President of the United States from 1993 to 2001. Inaugurated at age 46, he was the third-youngest president. He took office at the end of the Cold War, and was the first president of the baby boomer generation...
, Secretaries of State Henry Kissinger
Henry Kissinger
Heinz Alfred "Henry" Kissinger is a German-born American academic, political scientist, diplomat, and businessman. He is a recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. He served as National Security Advisor and later concurrently as Secretary of State in the administrations of Presidents Richard Nixon and...
, Madeleine Albright
Madeleine Albright
Madeleine Korbelová Albright is the first woman to become a United States Secretary of State. She was appointed by U.S. President Bill Clinton on December 5, 1996, and was unanimously confirmed by a U.S. Senate vote of 99–0...
and Colin Powell
Colin Powell
Colin Luther Powell is an American statesman and a retired four-star general in the United States Army. He was the 65th United States Secretary of State, serving under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2005. He was the first African American to serve in that position. During his military...
, as well as Israeli Prime Ministers Ehud Barak
Ehud Barak
Ehud Barak is an Israeli politician who served as Prime Minister from 1999 until 2001. He was leader of the Labor Party until January 2011 and holds the posts of Minister of Defense and Deputy Prime Minister in Binyamin Netanyahu's government....
and Shimon Peres
Shimon Peres
GCMG is the ninth President of the State of Israel. Peres served twice as the eighth Prime Minister of Israel and once as Interim Prime Minister, and has been a member of 12 cabinets in a political career spanning over 66 years...
.
Notable Faculty and staff
- Robert Wexler (rabbi)Robert Wexler (rabbi)Rabbi Robert Wexler is the president of the American Jewish University , formerly known as the University of Judaism . He has been listed among the top 50 most influential American rabbis in Newsweek, ranking number seven in 2007 and ranking number three in 2008. He has also been included in the...
, Ph.D. (President) - David LieberDavid LieberDr. David L. Lieber, rabbi and scholar, was president emeritus of the University of Judaism and the senior editor of the Etz Hayim Humash...
, D.H.L. (President Emeritus) - Bradley Shavit ArtsonBradley Shavit ArtsonBradley Shavit Artson is an American rabbi, author, speaker, and the occupant of the Abner and Roslyn Goldstine Dean's Chair of the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies at the American Jewish University in Los Angeles, California, where he is Vice-President...
(Vice President and Dean of the Ziegler School of Rabbinic StudiesZiegler School of Rabbinic StudiesThe Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies, informally known as the "Ziegler School" or simply "Ziegler", is the graduate program of study leading to Ordination as Conservative Rabbis at the American Jewish University...
) - Elliot Dorff, Ph.D. (Rector and Distinguished Professor of Jewish Philosophy)