Academy for Jewish Religion

Mazel tov to AJR Cantorial Student Zahava Fried on her appointment as Cantor of Congregation Beth El in Voorhees, New Jersey!

We know she will bring warmth, wisdom, and beautiful spiritual leadership to the Beth El community...along with her beautiful voice!

Please join us in congratulating Zahava on this wonderful achievement and wishing her every success as she embarks on her cantorial journey.

Today we honor Juneteenth, a celebration of freedom and a reminder of the ongoing work of justice.

As a pluralistic seminary, at AJR, we are guided by the belief that every person is created b'tzelem Elohim—in the image of God. As we commemorate this historic day, we recommit ourselves to advancing dignity, equity, and freedom for all.

🌟 Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Job Jindo 🌟

From Japan to Israel to the United States, Dr. Job Jindo’s academic journey has been shaped by a deep engagement with languages, cultures, and religious traditions. A scholar of Hebrew Bible, Semitic philology, and comparative religion, he brings a global perspective to the classroom informed by studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Harvard University, and the Jewish Theological Seminary.

At AJR, Professor Jindo invites students to read carefully, question assumptions, and discover new meaning in ancient texts. His courses explore themes of liberty, responsibility, community, spiritual practice, and transformation—drawing connections between sacred texts and sources as diverse as Shakespeare, the Lotus Sutra, Rocky, and Field of Dreams.

A dedicated teacher, scholar, and meditation practitioner, Dr. Jindo is committed to building bridges across traditions and fostering deeper human understanding. We are proud to celebrate his contributions to the AJR community and his enduring passion for learning and teaching.

Live from the 2026 Women’s Cantor Network Conference...we love seeing !

It is always inspiring to see our graduates connecting with colleagues, strengthening their professional networks, and continuing to grow as cantors, spiritual leaders, and lifelong learners.

Keep shining, AJRnicks—we are so proud of you!

Pictured from left to right:
Cantor Robin Joseph
Cantor Rena Shapiro
Cantor Katie Kaplan
Cantor Kathy Barr
Rabbi Renana Brooks
Cantor Lois Kittner

In this week's D’var Torah Rabbi Dorit Edut discusses the issue of free speech and when it can become harmful to our society - as seen through the lens of our Torah commentaries and our historical experiences.

🔗https://ajr.edu/parashat-korah-5786/

Mazel tov to Rabbi Steven Goldstein on his new role as Rabbi of The Reform Temple of Rockland in West Nyack, New York!

We are excited to see the impact he will make in this new chapter and know that the congregation will benefit greatly from his wisdom, compassion, and leadership.

Wishing Rabbi Goldstein and The Reform Temple of Rockland much success, joy, and blessing in the years ahead.

💕 Call for Submissions: AJR's Tu B’Av Supplement 💕

We welcome:
✨ Short essays and drashot less than 600 words (in Word format)
✨ Poems and prayers
✨ Artwork (PNG format only)

We're looking for pieces that explore love between individuals, love of Jewish community, love of Israel, and the role of love in Jewish life. Creative liturgical and programmatic ideas for celebrating Tu B’Av are also encouraged.

📅 Submission Deadline: June 24
📧 Send submissions and questions to: [email protected]

In this week's D'var Torah Rabbi Rachel Posner explores how remembering can be an act of imagination, and how faith helps us transform anxiety into awe.

🔗https://ajr.edu/parashat-shelah-5786/

AJR's Open House is ONE WEEK AWAY!

Thinking about becoming a rabbi or cantor? Join AJR’s Open House next Tuesday, June 16!

✨ Sample AJR classes
✨ Meet students + faculty
✨ Experience special sessions
✨ Get a true feel for AJR’s pluralistic community

Come explore what Jewish leadership can look like—and what your next step could be. We’d love to meet you.

Learn more and register at https://ajr.edu/open-house-tuesday-june-16-2026/

Mazel tov to Rabbi Rebecca Van Wagner on beginning her new role at Bucknell University Hillel!

We know she will do an outstanding job supporting students on their spiritual journeys, fostering meaningful connections, and helping build a vibrant and welcoming Jewish community on campus.

Wishing Rabbi Rebecca much success and fulfillment in this exciting new chapter!