In the three weeks between the application deadline and an interview, each applicant will participate in a three week introduction to Online Learning at HUC-JIR and the DFSSM Certification Program. The course will include both synchronous and asynchronous activities. Each candidate must participate in all live weekly sessions. The course is designed to help candidates navigate the software and online modalities currently used by HUC-JIR and to learn about the different types of course models that will be used and subjects that will be covered.
The course will help one to assess one’s capacity for online learning, and will give applicants an idea of the amount of time and effort necessary to succeed in this program, as well as the numerous avenues of support provided by HUC-JIR.
The fee for this Online Introductory Course is $75.00 and is paid with Part 2 of your online application. It is non-refundable.
Good references come from individuals who know you well enough to give the Admissions Committee input on your candidacy and reflect on specific experiences you have had that make you a strong candidate.
Please use the Reference Letter Request Form to submit the names and contact information of your references. HUC-JIR will not accept more than four letters of reference. The individuals you list as references will receive an email from HUC Admissions informing them that you have requested they write a letter of reference on your behalf. It is recommended that you are in touch with your chosen references prior to filling out this online form to alert them that they will receive this emailed request.
One Academic Reference: College professors or instructors with whom you have engaged in serious academic study should write the academic references. If you have been out of college more than five years you may obtain academic references from adult or informal education instructors.
One Judaic Reference: Of the remaining two references, HUC-JIR encourages you to submit a Judaic reference from a colleague (rabbi, cantor, or educator) with whom you are currently working.
One Professional Reference: In addition, please request a professional reference from a supervisor of your work, paid or volunteer, preferably in a Jewish setting.
The Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, as amended, provides students the right to inspect their records. This includes letters of recommendation submitted in the application process. HUC-JIR carefully reviews all letters of reference. However, we find that letters written in confidence are most useful in assessing a candidate’s qualifications and promise. By using the Reference Letter Request Form, you are automatically waiving your right. Please contact admissions@huc.edu with any questions or concerns.
Please allow each reference enough time (at least one month) to complete his or her letter of reference. If you wish to substitute, delete, or add references after you have submitted their names in the online Reference Letter Request Form, you must report this in writing to the National Office of Admissions by emailing admissions@huc.edu
Please request transcripts 60 days before the application deadline. Transcripts need to be received in order to schedule an interview.
Please provide us with one copy of an official transcript from all of the following:
Have your schools mail the transcripts directly to:
National Office of Admissions and Recruitment
Hebrew Union College — Jewish Institute of Religion
3077 University Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90007
For international applicants: year-by-year records from colleges and universities attended are required. The record must indicate the number of hours per week devoted to each course, grades received for each course, and degrees awarded, with dates the degrees were conferred. This information must be provided in English. If this information is not available in English, it is the applicant’s responsibility to have it professionally translated and certified before it is sent to HUC-JIR. If grades are not determined on a 4.0 scale system please include guidelines in English from the school that explain the grading system.
As you fill out Part 2 of your online application, you will be prompted to submit your Personal Statement, admissions essays, and resume. Your answers to the following questions help us get to know you as an individual, a student, a Jew, and future Jewish professional. Your personal statement and two essays, resume and picture should be consolidated into one document that you will be asked to upload.
In no more than six double-spaced, typed pages, and respond to the following questions:
Please respond to each of the following questions separately. Limit your response to the two questions to a total of six double-spaced, typed pages.
A standard C.V. or resume.
One clergy member, as well as the president of your current congregation, will need to sign a letter in support of your candidacy.
The letter of congregational support is included in Part II of the application, and demonstrates that your congregation understands the time that you will need to devote to your studies and the various aspects of the cantorate which you will be asked to develop, refine, or take on as a part of the Certification Program. These aspects may include Adult Education, Religious School teaching, Committee facilitation, as well as Life Cycle counseling and officiation at various life cycle rituals.
The letter of support should be mailed directly to:
National Office of Admissions and Recruitment,
Hebrew Union College — Jewish Institute of Religion
3077 University Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90007
Please share this letter with your rabbi and president in time to allow it to be signed and returned by the application deadline.
The Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music requires a Hebrew language proficiency equivalent to two years of college-level Modern Hebrew, as demonstrated by performance on the Hebrew Proficiency Examination.
Admissions decisions are reached independently of the results of this exam. Admitted applicants who do not demonstrate sufficient proficiency in Modern Hebrew may be required retake the exam, or defer enrollment to improve their language skill. Learn more