AJRCA

Jewish leadership and communal service
Jewish Leadership: A Journey of Vision and Purpose blog

Jewish Leadership: A Journey of Vision and Purpose

Jewish leadership has always required courage, wisdom, and adaptability. From biblical figures to contemporary spiritual leaders, Jewish leadership is rooted in a commitment to learning, ethical responsibility, and communal service. Today, that leadership takes many forms—rabbis, educators, chaplains, nonprofit directors, and community organizers all contribute to shaping Jewish life. The Foundations of Jewish Leadership Jewish leadership begins with text and…
AJRCA
July 23, 2026
Board certified chaplains providing spiritual care
Board Certified Chaplains: Dedicated to Spiritual Care blog

Board Certified Chaplains: Dedicated to Spiritual Care

Board certified chaplains serve at the intersection of faith, compassion, and professional care. In hospitals, military units, universities, hospice centers, and correctional facilities, they accompany individuals and families through moments of vulnerability, crisis, and transformation. Their work is grounded in spiritual wisdom, ethical integrity, and a deep commitment to human dignity. The Expanding Role of the Chaplain Modern chaplaincy extends…
AJRCA
July 21, 2026
AJRCA Spotlight: Rabbi Joshua Hoffman blogstudents

AJRCA Spotlight: Rabbi Joshua Hoffman

Journeys to the Promised LandBy Rabbi Joshua Hoffman, President and CEO, Academy for Jewish Religion CaliforniaDo we have the right spiritual leaders to meet the moment?  It’s a timely question in the Jewish world, given the recent attention upon rabbinic leadership.  Right now, our hearts are yearning for steady, compassionate, and healing voices to help navigate the sustained crises we…
AJRCA
April 17, 2026
AJRCA Spotlight: Rabbi Joshua Hoffman blogstudents

AJRCA Spotlight: Rabbi Joshua Hoffman

Spiritual Leadership for a New Era: AJRCA's Vision for Seminary EducationBy Rabbi Joshua Hoffman, President and CEO, Academy for Jewish Religion California The recent publications of research and shifting positions of seminary leadership signal an important moment for our field. As rabbinical education comes into focus, I welcome this opportunity to engage in a vital conversation about how we prepare…
AJRCA
March 19, 2026
AJRCA Spotlight: Rabbi Bill Kaplan blogstudents

AJRCA Spotlight: Rabbi Bill Kaplan

Tu B’Shvat Higiyah Tu B’Shvat arrives quietly. No shofar, no matzah, no fast, no dramatic historical rescue. Just trees. Just sap rising. Just the patient, persistent work of roots beneath the surface, doing what they have always done: drawing life from hidden places and turning it into something that can one day bear fruit. And yet our tradition insists that…
AJRCA
February 5, 2026
Online Jewish Community Nurturing Connections in the Virtual Realm
Online Jewish Community: Nurturing Connections in the Virtual Realm blog

Online Jewish Community: Nurturing Connections in the Virtual Realm

Community has always been central to Jewish life. While geography once defined communal boundaries, today’s digital landscape has expanded how and where Jewish connection takes place. Online Jewish communities now play a vital role in nurturing learning, belonging, and shared purpose. The Evolution of Jewish Community Historically, Jewish communities formed around synagogues, schools, and shared physical spaces. While these remain…
AJRCA
January 30, 2026
Jewish Studies Online Degree Programs A Comprehensive Overview
Jewish Studies Online Degree Programs: A Comprehensive Overview blog

Jewish Studies Online Degree Programs: A Comprehensive Overview

Jewish studies has long been rooted in rigorous scholarship, textual engagement, and communal learning. Today, online degree programs are expanding access to this rich intellectual tradition, allowing students across the globe to pursue advanced Jewish education in flexible and innovative ways. What Is Jewish Studies? Jewish studies is an interdisciplinary field encompassing sacred texts, history, philosophy, ethics, culture, and religious…
AJRCA
January 29, 2026
Board Certification A Mark of Spiritual Excellence
Board Certification: A Mark of Spiritual Excellence blog

Board Certification: A Mark of Spiritual Excellence

In professional chaplaincy, board certification represents a recognized standard of excellence. It signals that a chaplain has achieved advanced competency in spiritual care, ethical practice, and professional leadership—qualities essential for accompanying people through complex, and often complicated, moments of transition.   What Sets Board Certification Apart Unlike general credentials or titles, board certification involves a rigorous evaluation of both knowledge and…
AJRCA
January 28, 2026