Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion

Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) stands as a pivotal institution in the landscape of Reform Judaism, serving as an international seminary and graduate school dedicated to preparing the next generation of Jewish spiritual, educational, and non-profit leaders. With a rich history spanning over a century, HUC-JIR offers a wide array of academic and professional programs, including rabbinical studies, sacred music, education, Jewish non-profit management, and biblical archaeology, across its campuses in Cincinnati, New York, Los Angeles, and Jerusalem.

Founded in Cincinnati in 1875 by Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise, HUC-JIR has been at the forefront of shaping Reform Jewish thought and practice. Its early history includes the significant "Trefa Banquet" of 1883, an event that, while controversial at the time, highlighted the evolving dietary discussions within Reform Judaism and influenced the broader Jewish religious landscape. A major milestone in its expansion was the 1950 merger with the Jewish Institute of Religion in New York, followed by the establishment of additional campuses in Los Angeles (1954) and Jerusalem (1963). HUC-JIR is also celebrated for its groundbreaking role in inclusivity, having ordained the first female rabbi in the United States, Sally Priesand, the first female rabbi in Israel, Naamah Kelman, and, notably, its first nonbinary candidate in 2022.

Students at HUC-JIR benefit from a dynamic, multi-campus experience, with many programs offering a start in Jerusalem to immerse students in Israeli culture and Jewish studies. The Los Angeles campus boasts a robust collaboration with the University of Southern California (USC), including the creation of the Center for Muslim-Jewish Engagement, an interfaith think tank fostering dialogue and understanding. While facing evolving needs, as evidenced by the announced closure of the residential rabbinical program in Cincinnati by 2026 and the New York campus's relocation to a new facility, HUC-JIR continues its commitment to innovative education and the development of leaders ready to serve the Jewish people and the broader world.