Information on Charitable Contributions to The ASCJ

Dear Friend,

In September 2004, The American Seminary for Contemporary Judaism (ASCJ) opened its doors to its first group of students. Of that original group, one was ordained in 2006 and two will graduate this spring. They have been joined by other eager students, who have found the environment they needed to succeed at The ASCJ.

Created in response to the needs of the Jewish Community for the training of future Cantors, Rabbis, Educators and Synagogue Administrators, the Seminary provides educational opportunities unavailable elsewhere.

Students at the ASCJ receive a non-denominational approach to traditional core values of Judaism. Our goal is to fully prepare students to be professionals with the necessary skills, knowledge and training to serve wherever they are needed.

In addition to traditional age, full-time seminary students, The 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 the chance to study or pursue their goals professionally.

There is simply no other place available that provides flexible, affordable and thorough training, which aims to get its students on their feet and serving the needs of the Jewish community in a timely fashion.

Yes, I’d like to Contribute Now to the mission of The ASCJ.

Juggling work, classroom and on-the-job studies and family responsibilities can make it difficult for students to find the time and financial resources to pursue their ambitions.

Private educational institutions such as ours rely on a combination of tuition income and donations to function throughout the course of the academic year. As a new institution of Jewish Learning and Professional Development, we look for support from the members of the larger community to build upon the groundwork that has been laid by our initial benefactors.

There are many ways to contribute to this new and necessary institution of higher Jewish learning. Here are just a few areas to which monies can be directed or targeted by an individual or organization committed to the education and training of the next generation of Jewish Community and Synagogue leaders:

• Scholarships for incoming or current students and scholars
• Endowments for instructional programs and departmental expansion
• Sponsored Department Faculty Chairs named for specific areas of study (e.g. Nusach, History, Talmud, etc.)
• Program Grants for new or existing educational and outreach programs
• Dedication Opportunities earmarked for specific school facilities or projects (e.g. library collection expansion)

Donations in any amount are accepted and appreciated. Your contribution to The American Seminary for Contemporary Judaism will have a direct influence on the direction and growth of the Seminary, its students, and its graduates.

Yes, I’d like to Contribute Now to the mission of The ASCJ.

All donations to The American Seminary for Contemporary Judaism are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. To discuss opportunities for giving, please contact our Development Office.

B’Shalom,
Robert E. Cohen, M.A., Ed.
Executive Director