Both Judith and her late husband, Louis, had a profound commitment to Jewish community and continuity. It was this passion and commitment that led them to one of their most impactful philanthropic achievements: the Louis and Judith Miller Introduction to Judaism Program at American Jewish University.
Since its establishment in 1986, the program has become the largest initiative of its kind in North America, welcoming newcomers to Judaism from all backgrounds. In 2020, with the onset of Covid, the Miller Program quickly moved to serve the needs of students by offering its 18-week course online. As a result, the Miller Program has grown both nationally and internationally, proudly enrolling more than 15,000 students and leading to more than 5,000 conversions to Judaism. Today, the Miller Program is taught by more than 75 communities across the United States, and its online classes reach students in a dozen countries worldwide.
I dedicated the beginning of our Miller course on Passover this week to Judith by sharing some of the words of my predecessor, Rabbi Adam Greenwald, who had the privilege of knowing her directly:
“I truly loved Judy Miller, who passed away today, and was far too much of a lady to have publicly shared her age. While her beloved Louis was cantankerous and stubborn (I loved him, too, very much), Judy was all heart. She was unfailingly gracious, warm, and supportive. She had a terrific smile. She made me feel like family, always. Her warmth was not a sign of weakness: Judy exercised a quiet strength. When nobody could get Lou to stop dominating a Board meeting, a simple look from Judy brought him to cowed silence. She had a strong sense of right and wrong, a profound commitment to Jewish community and continuity, and a passionate personal connection to the many projects that her and Lou's philanthropy helped to bring into the world. I am proud that for 10 years I stewarded the program that carried her name. I will miss her. Her memory is already a blessing and her impact will live for many, many years to come.”
As the current Director of the Miller Introduction to Judaism Program, I am committed to continuing the mission and vision that both Judith and Louis set forth. The Miller Program will continue to be a welcoming resource to those who seek to learn more about Judaism, helping people gain the tools necessary to create deep and meaningful Jewish lives that will endure, l’dor vador, for generations to come.
Both Judith and her late husband, Louis, had a profound commitment to Jewish community and continuity. It was this passion and commitment that led them to one of their most impactful philanthropic achievements: the Louis and Judith Miller Introduction to Judaism Program at American Jewish University.
Since its establishment in 1986, the program has become the largest initiative of its kind in North America, welcoming newcomers to Judaism from all backgrounds. In 2020, with the onset of Covid, the Miller Program quickly moved to serve the needs of students by offering its 18-week course online. As a result, the Miller Program has grown both nationally and internationally, proudly enrolling more than 15,000 students and leading to more than 5,000 conversions to Judaism. Today, the Miller Program is taught by more than 75 communities across the United States, and its online classes reach students in a dozen countries worldwide.
I dedicated the beginning of our Miller course on Passover this week to Judith by sharing some of the words of my predecessor, Rabbi Adam Greenwald, who had the privilege of knowing her directly:
“I truly loved Judy Miller, who passed away today, and was far too much of a lady to have publicly shared her age. While her beloved Louis was cantankerous and stubborn (I loved him, too, very much), Judy was all heart. She was unfailingly gracious, warm, and supportive. She had a terrific smile. She made me feel like family, always. Her warmth was not a sign of weakness: Judy exercised a quiet strength. When nobody could get Lou to stop dominating a Board meeting, a simple look from Judy brought him to cowed silence. She had a strong sense of right and wrong, a profound commitment to Jewish community and continuity, and a passionate personal connection to the many projects that her and Lou's philanthropy helped to bring into the world. I am proud that for 10 years I stewarded the program that carried her name. I will miss her. Her memory is already a blessing and her impact will live for many, many years to come.”
As the current Director of the Miller Introduction to Judaism Program, I am committed to continuing the mission and vision that both Judith and Louis set forth. The Miller Program will continue to be a welcoming resource to those who seek to learn more about Judaism, helping people gain the tools necessary to create deep and meaningful Jewish lives that will endure, l’dor vador, for generations to come.