One of my friends said that I should become a rabbi. I thought, “Wait a minute, me? You think I should become a rabbi?” I prayed on it, and I realized that as a rabbi, I could serve God and serve my community.
Progressive Jewish Leadership for the Modern World
Gain the guidance, training, and knowledge needed to succeed in your career and be the changemakers our world deserves.
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A Rich History
For 148 years, HUC-JIR has been the academic, spiritual, and professional leadership development center of progressive Judaism.
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Dedicated Faculty
With a 3:1 faculty-to-student ratio, our faculty is able to dedicate time and energy to mentor each student, and to understand each person’s unique strengths, challenges, and aspirations.
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A Robust Alumni Network
We have a network of more than 4,000 alumni who are making significant positive impact throughout the Jewish community and the world.
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Seeking leaders for Reform Judaism, the global Jewish people, and the academic world.
We are excited to share with you the numerous opportunities Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion has to offer those who aspire to serve as leaders in the Jewish community and wish to grow intellectually, academically, spiritually, and professionally.
Our Impact
Learn About Our ImpactAs the seminary for the Reform Movement and institution of Jewish higher education, we prepare leaders for the largest Jewish denomination in North America, the growing Reform communities in Israel, and the global Jewish people.
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Student
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Student
As we learn the cantorial arts, we are encouraged to draw on our diverse musical and academic backgrounds to craft our own vision of what the cantorate can be. HUC-JIR pushes me to imagine what is possible in the cantorate and broader Jewish community.
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Alum
In the Zelikow School I learned so many practical skills, including how to work with nonprofit boards, handle conflict in the workplace, and how to learn from failure. I have found that my classmates are incredibly helpful, and it has been such a joy learning together.
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Student
Academically, I’m fascinated by the Hebrew Bible, and I care deeply about promoting positive and informed relationships between Jews and Christians.
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Alum
I love Torah deeply, and I’m working to build a strong and beautiful Jewish future for everyone. I think Torah is at the center of that world, but we need new voices and ideas to share in that text to create a more vibrant Jewish world to come.
Our Impact
Learn About Our ImpactAs the seminary for the Reform Movement and institution of Jewish higher education, we prepare leaders for the largest Jewish denomination in North America, the growing Reform communities in Israel, and the global Jewish people.
Student
One of my friends said that I should become a rabbi. I thought, “Wait a minute, me? You think I should become a rabbi?” I prayed on it, and I realized that as a rabbi, I could serve God and serve my community.
Student
As we learn the cantorial arts, we are encouraged to draw on our diverse musical and academic backgrounds to craft our own vision of what the cantorate can be. HUC-JIR pushes me to imagine what is possible in the cantorate and broader Jewish community.
Alum
In the Zelikow School I learned so many practical skills, including how to work with nonprofit boards, handle conflict in the workplace, and how to learn from failure. I have found that my classmates are incredibly helpful, and it has been such a joy learning together.
Student
Academically, I’m fascinated by the Hebrew Bible, and I care deeply about promoting positive and informed relationships between Jews and Christians.
Alum
I love Torah deeply, and I’m working to build a strong and beautiful Jewish future for everyone. I think Torah is at the center of that world, but we need new voices and ideas to share in that text to create a more vibrant Jewish world to come.
Reach Out
Great question! There are many paths of Jewish leadership at HUC. We are happy to help guide you through our programs and explore the options with you. Speak with an admissions counselor to learn more.
HUC is the center of innovation for Jewish life and learning – preparing rabbis, cantors, leaders in Jewish education, Jewish nonprofit professionals, pastoral counselors, and scholars to apply their knowledge, commitment, vision, and expertise to strengthen and transform the Jewish community and larger world. Our students and alumni are leading a Jewish renaissance in North America, Israel, and around the globe as leaders in synagogues, schools, Hillels, hospitals, camps, the military, and Jewish organizations worldwide.
Hebrew Union College is committed to making it possible for all students to realize their educational goals. Students are encouraged to apply for financial aid, and no student should hesitate to apply due to financial concerns. HUC offers generous financial assistance – in the form of merit and/or need-based scholarships as well as federal financial aid loans – for all of its full-time professional programs. Learn more about financial aid.
