American Jewish University facts for kids
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| Motto | Education demands innovation... |
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| Type | Private university |
| Established | 1947 |
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Religious affiliation
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Jewish |
| Endowment | $100 Million (2020) |
| President | Jeffrey Herbst |
| Location |
,
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United States
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| Campus | Urban |
| Mascot | Zion the Lion |
| Website | www.aju.edu |
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The American Jewish University (often called AJU) is a private Jewish university located in Los Angeles, California. It was created in 2007 when two older institutions, the University of Judaism and the Brandeis-Bardin Institute, joined together. AJU offers many different programs for learning, from special graduate degrees to fun classes for everyone in the community.
AJU's main academic areas include the College of Arts and Sciences, the Fingerhut School of Education, The David L. Lieber Graduate School, and the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies. The Ziegler School is a seminary that trains future rabbis for Conservative Judaism. AJU also runs the Miller Introduction to Judaism Program. This program helps people who are thinking about becoming Jewish. It also supports families with members from different faiths. The university is home to several special research groups, called "think tanks." These include the Institute on American Jewish-Israel Relations. Another is the Sigi Ziering Institute, which explores the ethical and religious lessons from the Holocaust. The Center for Policy Options is also part of AJU.
At its Brandeis-Bardin Campus, AJU runs summer camps like Camp Alonim and Gan Alonim Day Camp. It also hosts the BCI Program. One of the biggest parts of AJU is its Whizin Center for Continuing Education. Each year, about 12,000 students take non-credit classes there. These classes, lectures, and events are open to people of all ages.
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A Look at AJU's History
The University of Judaism first opened its doors in 1947. Its spiritual founder was Mordecai Kaplan, a Jewish thinker. He wanted to create a place that welcomed all kinds of Jewish expression in the United States. Rabbi Jacob Pressman was a co-founder.
The University of Judaism started as a project of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America in New York City. It also worked with the Bureau of Jewish Education of Greater Los Angeles. In the 1970s, it became its own independent school. When Robert Wexler became president in 1992, the university officially became non-denominational. This means it welcomed students from all Jewish backgrounds and beyond. Other past presidents include Simon Greenberg (1947–1963) and David Lieber (1963–1992). The current president is Jeffrey Herbst, who started in 2018.
In March 2007, leaders from the University of Judaism and the Brandeis-Bardin Institute announced a big change. The two organizations would merge to form a new university. This new school was named the American Jewish University. The Brandeis-Bardin Institute was an education and camping group in Simi Valley, California.
Campus Life and Cool Places
The American Jewish University has a campus in Bel Air, California. Here, you'll find the Ostrow Library. It holds over 120,000 books and digital resources. It also has one of the largest collections of Jewish ceremonial art on the West Coast.
The campus also features the Gindi Auditorium. This theater has 475 seats. It hosts concerts, celebrations, and other events. There are also dormitories for students to live in. A new student union building has fitness facilities, a basketball court, and a grassy field.
AJU's Brandeis-Bardin campus is located in Simi Valley, California. This campus is home to Camp Alonim and the BCI Program. It also offers "experiential learning" programs like the Jene Fellowship. This campus is also a popular spot for retreats and conferences.
Amazing Art Galleries
The Marjorie and Herman Platt Gallery and the Borstein Art Gallery at AJU host many important art shows. These shows feature both Jewish and non-Jewish art. Famous artists like David Hockney and Jim Dine have had their work displayed at the Platt Gallery. The Smalley Sculpture Garden is also on campus. It has a collection of sculptures by well-known modern artists. These include works by Beverly Pepper and Jenny Holzer. The garden was opened in 1981.
What You Can Study at AJU
Learning for Adults
AJU offers many study programs through its Whizin Center for Continuing Education. These classes are usually taken just for fun and personal learning. They don't give you a degree. You can take classes in languages, Jewish studies, literature, fine arts, dance, and fitness. There are also classes in performance arts and many other areas.
One of its largest programs is the yearly Public Lecture Series. This event is held at Universal Studios' Gibson Amphitheater. Thousands of people attend these talks. Past speakers have included former President Bill Clinton. Also, important leaders like Henry Kissinger and Colin Powell have spoken there. Israeli Prime Ministers Ehud Barak and Shimon Peres have also been featured.
Gallery
These images show AJU's former Bel Air campus.
Notable Faculty and Staff
- Bradley Shavit Artson, Vice President and Dean of the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies
- Maurice Ascalon, Faculty, School of Fine Arts, University of Judaism
- Michael Berenbaum , Director, Sigi Ziering Institute and Professor
- Aryeh Cohen, Professor of Rabbinic Literature
- Elliot Dorff, Rector and Distinguished Professor of Jewish Philosophy
- David Lieber, President Emeritus
- Rabbi Robert Wexler, President Emeritus and Lou and Irma Colen Distinguished Service Lecturer In Bible
See Also
- List of colleges and universities in California
- List of Jewish universities and colleges in the United States
- History of the Jews in Los Angeles
