irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2022
What they reported doing
- #1 primary $20KAJR RECEIVED A GENEROUS GRANT FROM LILLY ENDOWMENT, INC. TO FUND "MOSAIC RELIGION AND THE RELIGIOUS MOSAIC," A PROJECT TO FOSTER GREATER KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS OF THE DIVERSITY OF JEWISH LIFE AND THOUGHT FOR STUDENTS AT CHRISTIAN SEMINARIES. THE PROJECT PARTICIPANTS DEVELOPED INNOVATIVE VIDEO MATERIALS TO FOSTER GREATER UNDERSTANDING OF JUDAISM FOR CHRISTIAN SEMINARIANS AND MEMBER SEMINARIES OF THE ASSOCIATION OF THEOLOGICAL SCHOOLS (ATS). THE SHARED GOAL WAS TO HELP PREPARE PRIESTS, MINISTERS, AND LAY LEADERS TO BUILD BRIDGES OF CHRISTIAN-JEWISH UNDERSTANDING AND RESPECT IN THEIR DIVERSE COMMUNITIES.
named programs · 5 · from sources
What they call their work
Cantorial Program
Training program for hazzanim (cantors) covering musical skills, liturgy, and spiritual leadership within Jewish traditions.
Cantors to Rabbis Track
Program allowing ordained cantors to pursue rabbinical ordination with tailored credit requirements and advanced standing options.
Kol-Bo Program
Flexible program for students seeking Jewish learning without pursuing ordination or a degree, allowing transfer of significant prior study.
Master of Arts in Jewish Studies
Graduate degree program offering academic study in Jewish thought, history, and culture, available in on-campus and distance education formats.
Rabbinical Program
Accredited ordination program training rabbis through a pluralistic curriculum, including courses in theology, liturgy, counseling, and life cycle events.
activities · 7 groups
What they do
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Jewish Textual and Educational Publishing 2 activities
- Conducts research and publishes scholarly works in Jewish theology and ethicsProduces original research in Jewish thought, including published books and journal articles on topics such as biblical interpretation, theological modesty, and healthcare ethics, with recognized contributions like the award-winning book "Esau’s Blessing."
- Develops and disseminates Jewish educational curriculaConsulted on the development of Bible curricula and established standards and benchmarks for the teaching of TaNaKH in Jewish day schools, contributing to broader Jewish educational frameworks.
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Volunteer Engagement and Capacity Support 1 activity
- Offers volunteer engagement opportunities aligned with organizational missionProvides structured volunteer roles tailored to individual skills and interests to support the institution’s educational and communal goals.
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Jewish Advanced Torah Education 1 activity
- Ordains rabbis and cantors and trains Jewish leaders through graduate-level programsOperates a graduate-level seminary program that ordains rabbis and cantors and trains MA students in Jewish studies, serving as a pipeline for leadership roles in congregations, educational institutions, and chaplaincy within the Jewish community.
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Jewish and Cultural Heritage Archives 1 activity
- Provides access to comprehensive theological and Jewish scholarly resourcesMaintains a core library collection of over 10,000 physical items and provides access to the Digital Theological Library, which includes over 1.5 million e-books, 104 million articles, and extensive databases and journals in Jewish texts, history, liturgy, music, and contemporary issues.
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Interfaith Dialogue & Peacebuilding 1 activity
- Provides educational and community programming for students and the publicHosts regular lunchtime educational sessions, public dialogues on Judaism and science, community concerts, and prayer services, fostering engagement among students, alumni, and interfaith partners.
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Student Government Representation 1 activity
- Supports student leadership and community governanceMaintains a student-run organization with elected officers that collects optional dues to fund community-building events, supporting student needs and fostering unity within the student body.
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Uncategorized 2 activities
- Provides academic and spiritual leadership through faculty and administrative rolesEmploys senior staff who serve in key roles including Dean of Cantorial Studies, Assistant Academic Dean, Director of Admissions and Placement, Director of Development, Director of Spiritual Education, and Director of Student Care, providing instructional, spiritual, and administrative leadership.
- Provides higher education and academic support in Jewish studiesOffers a Master of Arts in Jewish Studies with distance education approval, accredited by the Association of Theological Schools, enabling access to federal financial aid and institutional need-based aid of up to 25% of tuition, along with support for Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans and ADA-compliant accommodations for students with disabilities.
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financials · form 990 · fy2023
revenue
Total revenue$1.87M
Contributions & grants$324K17%
Program service revenue$1.53M82%
Investment income$12K1%
Other revenue$0
expenses
Total expenses$1.90M
Program expenses86%
Admin / overhead9%
Fundraising5%
Salaries & benefits$1.33M
Grants paid out$80K
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$1.74M
Cash$597K
Investments$0
Liabilities$574K
Net assets$1.16M
Liquid reserves3.8 mo
4 years on record · 2019–2023 · YoY revenue -13.8%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2023
Who runs it
paid leadership · 2
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORA HORN PROUSER | CEO | 40 | $116K |
| JILL HACKELL | ALUMNI REPRESENTATIVE | 1 | $2K |
board members · 8
- AMIT GOLDMAN — MEMBER
- LEAH ZIMMERMAN — MEMBER
- RACHEL POSNER — STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE
- ROBERT EINHORN — MEMBER
- SIMON ROSENBACH — MEMBER
- STEPHEN AXINN — MEMBER
- TAMARA FISH — MEMBER
- WENDY LOVE ANDERSON — MEMBER
relationships · 14
Who they work with
- Beit Kohenet Partner — Director of Spiritual Education also serves as director of learning and ritual at Beit Kohenet, a complementary spiritual community.
- Board of Trustees Partner — Student Association representatives liaise with the Board of Trustees to ensure student representation in governance.
- Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools Network — Accredited member of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), the first and only Jewish organization to hold this status.
- Davidson School of Education at JTS Partner — Dr. Ora Horn Prouser has worked with the Davidson School of Education at JTS to develop curricula and approaches to Bible pedagogy.
- Digital Theological Library Partner — Provides access to a subscription-based digital collection for students, faculty, and staff.
- Gratz College Partner — Faculty member holds an MA in Jewish Studies from Gratz College.
- Gratz College Partner — Multiple individuals associated with the Academy for Jewish Religion hold degrees in Jewish Studies from Gratz College, indicating an educational partnership or affiliation.
- Hebrew College Partner — Faculty member holds an MA in Jewish Education from Hebrew College.
- Jewish Deaf Resource Center Partner — Partnered to offer a certification program for American Sign Language interpreters and Deaf prayer leaders in Jewish liturgy.
- Melton Center for Jewish Education Partner — Dr. Ora Horn Prouser has collaborated with the Melton Center for Jewish Education on curriculum development for Bible pedagogy.
- New York State Department of Education Government — Registered and authorized by NYSED to offer academic programs and award degrees, including approval for distance education.
- Professional Services Advisory Committee Partner — Group of professionals contributing skills and expertise to support AJR's mission.
- State of Israel Government — Recognizes the State of Israel as a modern, diverse Jewish nation-state and affirms its role in Jewish self-determination and theology.
- The Jewish Theological Seminary Partner — Collaborated through faculty appointments and curriculum development projects.
strategies · 3
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Contemporary Interpretation of Sacred Textsmethodology: contemporary_relevance_of_ancient_textsBy teaching ancient Jewish texts through the lens of modern life and current issues, we increase their relevance and applicability, because connecting tradition to present-day challenges fosters deeper student engagement and empowers leaders to address real-world communal needs.
- Individualized Leadership Formationmethodology: individualized_student_developmentBy working with each student to cultivate their personal vision and leadership identity, we produce more authentic and effective Jewish leaders, because leadership rooted in self-understanding and tailored mentorship leads to greater communal impact and sustainability.
- Pluralistic Jewish Educationmethodology: pluralistic_educationBy integrating diverse Jewish traditions and perspectives into leadership training, we produce inclusive and adaptable rabbis and cantors who can serve a broad spectrum of Jewish communities, because exposure to multiple viewpoints deepens spiritual engagement and strengthens communal resilience.