AJRCA attracts an extraordinary variety of students from across the country and around the world who have excelled in previous studies or demonstrated significant accomplishments in previous stages of their lives. Now they are pursuing a cherished dream of expanding their learning and deepening their Jewish connection. They have discovered in themselves a love for the Jewish community and want to share in leading us all to a greater richness and satisfaction in our common Jewish life. Our students are visionaries, each in their own way. They want the kind of open, thought-provoking learning experience that makes a real difference in their lives.
We welcome the unique energy of each of our students as we promote our community with the value of 'accepting difference' as well as cherishing 'likeness.' Our inclusiveness results in a variety of different perspectives and helps prepare our students to lead in the modern, multifaceted Jewish community. Our unique approach has drawn students and alumni who are able to work collaboratively with others, honoring the 'image of G-d' in all people, and bringing healing and greater consciousness to our interconnected world.
The generational diversity of our classes often pairs recent college graduates with parents of young children and senior citizens. Some classes will be multi-faith as well, when students from other seminaries enroll. Classroom discussions are at a high intellectual level; at the same time, a sense of camaraderie and collegiality is evident throughout the school, and competitiveness is at a minimum. Most importantly, our students are on a significant personal journey together. As Talmud professor Rabbi Elijah Schochet, PhD, a world-renowned expert on the origins of the Hasidic movement, notes, “The Academy’s student body is rich in both gifts of mind and gifts of heart. They bring to our school remarkable intellectual powers and profound sensitivity.”
“The Academy’s student body is rich in both gifts of mind and gifts of heart. They bring to our school remarkable intellectual powers and profound sensitivity.”
- Rabbi Elijah Schochet, PhD, AJRCA Talmud professor and world-renowned expert on the origins of the Hasidic movement
In order to accommodate our students’ professional and personal responsibilities, the Academy operates on a Sunday to Tuesday schedule of classes. This flexible schedule is also ideal for many students who commute from outside of the Greater Los Angeles area. In recent years, students have commuted weekly from Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Colorado, Texas, Northern California and San Diego. And for those who aren't able to commute, our online program allows them to join the same classes with the same professors and classmates via our online platform. All of our students -- whether they participate in-person or online -- come together in Los Angeles for three important weeks throughout the year to build community and learn in-residence.
Student life at the Academy is both personally and professionally fulfilling. We pray, individually and together in minyanim, which also provide students with opportunities to lead services and deliver divrei Torah. Students also have the opportunity to learn, experience and internalize services in various denominational forms.
The Va'ad, our student leadership organization, is in charge of many of the Academy’s co-curricular activities. Special shiurim by guest lecturers are featured throughout the year, and our own Cantorial students provide education in Jewish music by creating cantorial shiurim for the entire AJRCA community. A highlight of the year is the Annual Retreat, when students, administrators, and faculty all join together for a few days of focused learning, contemplation, and entertainment away from the classroom and the city.
Our students benefit from a faculty and curriculum that represent the teachings and traditions of all of Judaism’s denominations. In addition, our emphasis on spiritual development gives them the methods and experience that will allow them to become spiritual leaders and spiritual counselors. As a result of their unique training, our graduates are able to reach out and bring the real beauty of Judaism to Jews of all denominations as well as the unaffiliated. Well-prepared to work in a variety of settings, they are being hired by synagogues, day schools, hospitals, universities and other communal organizations and institutions nationwide.
