We are very pleased that you are interested in studying for the rabbinate at the Ziegler School! These are very exciting times in the Jewish world, and never has the need for creative, talented Jewish leaders been greater.
In order to begin the application process, prospective students must complete a request for application – CLICK HERE to get started!
Once you are invited to apply for admissions, you will be provided with an online link, where you will be asked to complete the following items.
The priority application deadline is January 15.
The Ziegler School Application Process
In order to begin the application process, prospective students must complete the online inquiry form, email the school at ziegler.admissions [at] aju.edu, or call our office at 310-440-1510. Before applying, prospects will have a preliminary interview with one of our admissions representatives. The preferred deadline for admissions is January 15 to begin the corresponding fall semester. At the deans’ discretion, the school may consider applicants after this date.
Once you are invited to apply for admissions, you will be provided with an online link, where you will be asked to complete the following items for admission into the program beginning in the Fall of the same year:
- Online application for admission;
- Admissions essays;
- Transcripts from all colleges or universities you have attended. An official, notarized, English translation must be submitted for all transcripts not originally issued in English. Official Transcripts must be sent directly from the institution either electronically to American Jewish University (registrar [at] aju.edu) or by mail to: Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies, American Jewish University, 350 S. Beverly Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90212. If you have not yet graduated from college, please submit transcripts of work completed to date. If you are subsequently admitted to the Ziegler School, you must submit official transcripts as verification that you have been granted a bachelor’s degree prior to enrollment at the Ziegler School;
- Submit four (4) letters of recommendation;
- Submit a non-refundable $100.00 USD application fee*;
- In-person interview, conducted at the Ziegler School;
- Complete the Hebrew Assessment.
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MARS Transfer Policy
The Ziegler School accepts applications from students interested in transferring from other rabbinical schools. Such applications are not uncommon. The Ziegler School understands that students’ theological commitments, academic interests and professional aspirations often change during rabbinic training and that these changes may lead students to explore other rabbinical schools. Candidates considering a transfer from another rabbinical school should speak with the Ziegler School to discuss ways in which the Ziegler School might be a more appropriate setting for their studies, and to get a general sense of how their work at their original rabbinical school might earn credit towards Ziegler School graduation.
The duration of studies at Ziegler will be determined by a combination of courses taken, Hebrew level attained, and mastery of text study demonstrated, measured against courses normally required, not necessarily time previously enrolled.
Formal reviews of coursework and advanced placement decisions are typically made after completion of the admissions process.
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MARS Advanced Admissions (for those possessing a terminal Judaic degree)
In the instance of a prospect who already possesses a terminal Judaic degree (PhD or equivalent), admissions as an advanced student can be considered by a committee of the dean and select member(s) of the faculty. Content and duration would be based on the knowledge demonstrated by the prospect and their transcripts. In order to begin the application process, prospective students must complete the online inquiry form, email the school at ziegler.admissions [at] aju.edu, or call our office at 310-440-1510.
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MARS Prerequisite Requirements
To apply for admission to the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies, applicants must have:
1. A bachelor's degree (Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science) from an accredited college or university. Normally, the Admissions Committee expects a grade-point average of 3.0 or better. While the Admissions Committee insists on evidence of academic ability and motivation, potential students should not be deterred from applying solely based on their cumulative college grade point averages. The Admissions Committee will weigh this factor along with all the other evidence of academic ability.
2. As part of the application process, students must take a Hebrew placement assessment and demonstrate ability to begin the Hebrew program of Ziegler. Students who do not test into our requisite level will be ineligible to begin text classes. In addition, those without the necessary Hebrew background may need further language preparation before they begin the text work of the Ziegler School. Any admission into the school is contingent on the ability to place into the appropriate Hebrew level prior to the candidate’s scheduled beginning of the program.
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The Hebrew Assessment is to be taken and returned by a designated date. From the date you receive the assessment, you will have 5 days to complete and return it to ziegler.admissions [at] aju.edu. Anyone who does not demonstrate requisite skills by this time will not yet be eligible to enroll in the language-centered courses of the full year one curriculum and may enroll in the extended Ziegler track which focuses on building those Hebrew skills. Please note that this will result in additional time to complete the full rabbinical school curriculum.
3. Strong written and oral communication skills. This is demonstrated in the admissions essays and interviews.
4. Since the Ziegler School is designed to prepare future rabbis and educators, the committee must be satisfied that the candidate demonstrates appropriate Jewish commitment. Prospects should demonstrate a level of Jewish learning, engagement, and curiosity preparatory to a rabbinical career. Prospective students must be committed to a life of mitzvot in accordance with Jewish law, as interpreted by the Conservative movement's Committee on Jewish Law and Standards. Please review the following two documents to learn more:
5. Applicants may be asked to take the Aptitude Test of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) at the request of the Dean. Registration information can be found at https://www.ets.org/gre. Please list American Jewish University (School Code #4876) as a recipient of your GRE scores.
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