Academy for Jewish Religion California

The Academy for Jewish Religion California (AJRCA) stands as a unique and vital institution, offering a distinctive transdenominational approach to Jewish spiritual leadership. Founded in 2000, it emerged from a vision to create an alternative to traditional rabbinical schools, fostering a rich environment where students from various Jewish backgrounds can pursue rabbinical and cantorial studies. Known for its flexible programming, AJRCA enables dedicated individuals to embark on their spiritual journeys even while managing other professional commitments, making a profound impact on the landscape of Jewish education.

Conceived by Los Angeles rabbis Stanley Levy and Stephen Robbins, and soon joined by Mordecai Finley, who became its president in 2001, AJRCA quickly established itself as an independent entity, distinct from its New York namesake. From its early days in a small West Los Angeles temple, the Academy rapidly evolved, ordaining its first three rabbis in 2003. This early success underscored its commitment to nurturing a new generation of spiritual leaders, capable of serving diverse communities.

AJRCA's history is marked by innovation and inclusivity. It forged a significant partnership with Claremont School of Theology in 2010, enriching interfaith dialogue and education. The Academy also made history in 2013 when Tamar Frankiel became its president, making her the first Orthodox woman to lead an American rabbinical school—a testament to the school's transdenominational ethos. The institution continued to embrace diversity, reaching another milestone in 2025 with the ordination of Jenni Asher, the first Black American woman ever ordained as a cantor, solidifying AJRCA's legacy as a trailblazer in Jewish spiritual development. Having found a new home on the campus of Loyola Marymount University in 2021, AJRCA continues to thrive, led by Rabbi Joshua Hoffman since 2022, shaping an inclusive future for Jewish leadership.