American Jewish University

American Jewish University (AJU) stands as a unique private institution dedicated to cultivating the Jewish leaders of tomorrow. Founded on the principle of representing the diverse spectrum of Judaic expression in the United States, AJU offers a distinctive educational environment, marked by its non-denominational commitment and its motto: "Training the Jewish Leaders of Tomorrow."

Established in 1947 as the University of Judaism by visionary Jewish thinker Mordecai Kaplan and co-founder Rabbi Jacob Pressman, the institution initially operated under the wing of the Jewish Theological Seminary. It achieved independence in the 1970s and solidified its non-denominational status with the ascension of President Robert Wexler in 1992. A significant milestone occurred in March 2007 when the University of Judaism merged with the Brandeis-Bardin Institute, an education and camping organization, giving birth to the American Jewish University we know today.

At the heart of AJU's academic offerings is the prestigious Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies. This graduate program is renowned for preparing and ordaining Conservative rabbis, a recognition supported by the Rabbinical Assembly of Conservative Judaism. Beyond rabbinic ordination, the Ziegler School provides Master of Arts in Rabbinic Studies degrees, which can be combined with other professional programs like an M.A.Ed. or M.B.A. While the university recently underwent a significant change with the sale of its Familian Campus in 2024, the Ziegler School continues its vital mission from a new facility in Beverly Hills, ensuring the legacy of diverse Judaic education endures.