Pluralistic rabbinical seminary in Yonkers, New York, pioneering women's leadership in Jewish education.
The Academy for Jewish Religion was founded in 1956 as a rabbinical school based on a pluralistic approach to Judaism. Originally called the Academy for Liberal Judaism and later the Academy for Higher Jewish Learning, it was granted a charter by the Regents of the University of the State of New York to ordain rabbis. The institution is notable for being the first rabbinical school to appoint a Jewish woman as its president, reflecting its commitment to inclusive leadership.
AJR is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada, making it the only Jewish organization among the 280 ATS-accredited seminaries and divinity schools. The school offers rabbinical ordination and Jewish studies education grounded in its pluralistic philosophy.
As of 2023, the Academy serves 62 students with support from 19 part-time faculty members, maintaining an intimate learning environment for rabbinical training and Jewish education.