American Jewish University

American Jewish University
source
Name	American Jewish University
Established	1947
Type	Private
President	Alan D. Kadish (note: verify current)
City	Bel Air, Los Angeles
State	California
Country	United States
Campus	Suburban

American Jewish University is a private institution located in the Bel Air neighborhood of Los Angeles focused on Jewish studies, liberal arts, and professional education. The institution developed from earlier organizations in Los Angeles County and has connections to national philanthropic and communal networks such as the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, the Mandel Foundation, and the Jewish Agency for Israel. Its programs intersect with institutions including Brandeis University, Hebrew Union College, Jewish Theological Seminary of America, Zionist Organization of America, and regional synagogues like Wilshire Boulevard Temple.

History

The university traces roots to post-World War II initiatives involving figures associated with the Zionist Organization of America and Los Angeles philanthropists who sought to strengthen Jewish life in the United States. Early antecedents included the merger of seminaries and adult education centers tied to organizations such as the Council of Jewish Federations and the American Jewish Committee. During the late 20th century the campus became a site for programs promoted by the Pew Charitable Trusts, the Mandel Foundation, and donors connected to families active in Hollywood and Beverly Hills. Leadership transitions involved presidents and provosts with links to academic networks like Brandeis University and the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, while initiatives partnered with cultural institutions including the Skirball Cultural Center and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

Campus and Facilities

The Bel Air campus occupies grounds adjacent to estates and neighborhoods associated with Mulholland Drive and the Getty Center corridor. Facilities include classrooms, a library collection developed with support from collectors who have donated materials related to the Haskalah and modern Zionism, performance spaces used by groups such as the Los Angeles Philharmonic for outreach, and conference centers hosting delegations from the State of Israel and the United Nations observer community. The campus houses centers for Jewish studies named after philanthropists with ties to the Guggenheim and Rothschild networks, and offers kosher dining supervised by rabbis affiliated with organizations like the Rabbinical Assembly and the Orthodox Union.

Academics

Academic offerings span undergraduate liberal arts and graduate professional degrees with programs in Jewish studies, religious leadership, psychology, and education. Faculty have included scholars trained at institutions such as Yale University, Harvard University, Princeton University, Columbia University, and University of California, Los Angeles. Curricula incorporate texts from the Talmud, works by thinkers connected to the Haskalah, and contemporary scholarship influenced by theorists who publish in venues like the Journal of Jewish Studies and presentations at conferences hosted by the Association for Jewish Studies. The institution has operated joint programs and exchange agreements with seminaries including Hebrew Union College and the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, as well as public outreach collaborations with cultural partners such as the Skirball Cultural Center and civic archives like the Los Angeles Public Library.

Student Life and Organizations

Student life includes chapters of national and local organizations such as the Hillel movement, affiliates of the Zionist Organization of America, and student government bodies modeled on structures present at campuses like University of Southern California and University of California, Los Angeles. Cultural programming frequently features speakers connected to the Simon Wiesenthal Center, the Anti-Defamation League, and visiting artists from institutions including the Julliard School and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Extracurricular groups address social justice, interfaith dialogue with representatives from entities like the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and the Islamic Center of Southern California, and civic engagement efforts coordinated with the Los Angeles Mayor's Office and regional philanthropic organizations such as the Annenberg Foundation.

Administration and Governance

Governance has involved a board of governors composed of leaders from the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, business figures from markets linked to the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ, and academics with appointments at universities including UCLA and USC. Administrative offices have reported to presidents and provosts who previously served in roles at institutions like Brandeis University, Hebrew Union College, and research centers affiliated with the American Jewish Committee. Financial oversight has engaged accounting firms and grantmakers including the Pew Charitable Trusts and foundations associated with the Rothschild and Sandler philanthropic families.

Notable Alumni and Faculty

Faculty and alumni networks include rabbis and scholars who have held positions at major congregations such as Wilshire Boulevard Temple and institutions including the Jewish Theological Seminary of America and Hebrew Union College. Several graduates have gone on to leadership roles with organizations like the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, the Anti-Defamation League, and the Simon Wiesenthal Center. Visiting lecturers have included scholars linked to Harvard University, Yale University, Columbia University, and cultural figures from Hollywood and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Athletics and Extracurricular Programs

Athletic offerings are modest and often coordinated with nearby colleges including Loyola Marymount University and community organizations such as the YMCA. Extracurricular programs emphasize arts, debate, and public policy, hosting tournaments and festivals where participants include delegations from Brandeis University, the University of Southern California, and regional high schools affiliated with the Los Angeles Unified School District. The university supports community-oriented programming in partnership with civic groups like the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture and cultural institutions including the Skirball Cultural Center.

Category:Universities and colleges in Los Angeles County, California