Who we are and what we do…

MISSION STATEMENT — It is the mission of The American Seminary for Contemporary Judaism to professionally prepare spiritual, educational and community leaders to meet the needs and challenges of the Jewish community in the 21st century.

Founded in 2003, The American Seminary for Contemporary Judaism (ASCJ) opened its doors to its first students in September 2004. The ASCJ provides professional training and education leading to certification or ordination in the Cantorate, Rabbinate, Jewish Education and Administration, and Synagogue Management and Administration.

The ASCJ offers a non-denominational approach to Jewish studies that combines a reverence for tradition with an openness to modernity. Our founders’ vision included creating a seminary that serves as a bridge between the movements with the goal of fully preparing its students to be professionals with all the necessary skills, knowledge and training to serve wherever they are needed.

In addition to traditional-aged seminary students, ASCJ fully accommodates the needs of career-change and working students so that these valuable resources are not lost to the Jewish community.

Many of our students were already involved in Jewish ritual as lay leaders of their congregations, but until now did not have a practical opportunity to study or pursue their goals professionally. This diversity in experience brings added depth and dimension to our class work and school community.

There is simply no other place available that provides flexible, affordable and thorough training that aims to get its students on their feet and serving the needs of the Jewish community in a timely fashion. To this end, students at ASCJ are given unprecedented opportunities for undergraduate practical, on-the-job training at our home in a suburban synagogue with an active 75-year-old congregation and through community and synagogue outreach programs.

In addition to on-campus classes, The ASCJ offers a guided Distance Learning Program for those individuals who are unable to attend the campus due to distance or disability.

Our faculty and administration includes clergy and educators currently working in their respective fields who provide their students with individual attention and hands-on learning opportunities outside the classroom. They represent diversified backgrounds and a wealth of experience, both of which they bring to the benefit of our student body.

REQUEST A COURSE CATALOG AND REGISTRATION MATERIALS

The ASCJ is located in Baldwin, Long Island in the metropolitan New York area and is easily accessible by car or the Long Island Rail Road from Manhattan.