As we welcome the High Holy Days, we reflect on the blessings of community, tradition, and purpose. We pray, Avinu Malkeinu, renew us for a year of goodness.

📢 Exciting news: Hebrew Union College is breathing new life into the historic First Battery Armory Building on West 66th Street!

Happy birthday Rabbi Sally Priesand '72! The first woman ordained as a rabbi in the U.S.! A trailblazer among trailblazers, Rabbi Priesand broke barriers and opened doors for generations of women in Jewish leadership. Today, we celebrate her courage, legacy, & the leaders she continues to inspire.

Even in uncertain times, our Taube Family Campus in Jerusalem proudly flies the Pride flag as a symbol of hope, resilience, and inclusivity. Wishing a meaningful Pride Month to our LGBTQ+ community and allies.

In our new Faculty Composer Spotlight, we feature Elana Arian, whose music is a practice of sacred connection. Through teaching, composing, & performing, Arian invites Jewish communities to lead with empathy, build bridges across difference, & connect in times of uncertainty: huc.edu/news/faculty...

Check it out, our latest Impact newsletter just hit your inbox! From ordinations to family legacies, our latest newsletter is packed with joy, purpose, and powerful stories. Take a look at these stories and more: mailchi.mp/huc/hebrew-u...

Mazal tov to our newest rabbis, ordained in Cincinnati! May you continue to lead with wisdom, character, and creativity. On this day, we got to hear from Dr. Ed Septimus, Board of Governors and Rabbi Dvora Weisberg ’11, Ph.D. Stay tuned for more highlights, read more here: huc.edu/news/cincinn...

Our Year-In-Israel students came together on the Taube Family Campus in Jerusalem campus to welcome Shabbat one last time as a cohort before heading home to the States, and then on to the second year of their Hebrew Union College journey. What a great first year, we look forward to seeing them next!

Today marks the anniversary of Cantor Barbara Ostfeld's '75 historic ordination; which not only broke barriers but opened doors for generations to come. We’re proud to share this video from Founders’ Day, celebrating Cantor Ostfeld and the lasting impact of her voice and vision: vimeo.com/1062069100

Today in history, Rabbi Alysa Stanton '09 was ordained at Hebrew Union College, becoming the first African American woman rabbi in North America. Her trailblazing journey, rooted in spiritual leadership, healing, and interfaith dialogue, continues to inspire future generations across the world.

Recently, we celebrated graduation in Cincinnati with a day of learning, resilience, and purpose. Our graduates were honored not just for what they’ve achieved, but for how they’ve grown: committed to truth, shaped by tradition, and prepared to lead. Read more here: huc.edu/news/cincinn...

A beloved Hebrew Union College tradition: the family photo at Hava Nashira! We were proud to see such a terrific turnout of students, faculty, and alumni from across our programs. Grateful to Sing Unto God for making #hava25 so joyful and inspiring! 🙏🎶

Mazal tov to our newest rabbis who were ordained yesterday on our Los Angeles campus! We're so proud of them and all they represent for the future of Jewish leadership. It was an honor to witness their journey, and we can’t wait to see the impact they will make in their communities.

Graduation and ordination season is underway! From honoring new rabbis and cantors to recognizing alumni for 25 years of service, we’re marking milestones with joy, reflection, and music. The celebrations continue in Los Angeles and Cincinnati this month: mailchi.mp/huc/hebrew-u...

What an honor to welcome Women of Reform Judaism leaders Jane Karlin, Karen Sim, and Shoshana Dweck to Hebrew Union College in NY! Joined by President Andrew Rehfeld, Ph.D. and Board Chair David B. Edelson, they celebrated the ordination class of 2025/5785 — the future leaders of Reform Judaism.

Rabbi Lisa D. Grant, Ph.D., delivered today’s Ordination Address in New York, celebrating the vision and dedication of our newest rabbis and cantors. Mazel tov to them all—your leadership is already shaping a brighter Jewish future! #HebrewUnionCollege2025 #HUCLeaders #HebrewUnionCollege #MazalTov

As we get ready to celebrate our Class of 2000 alumni, we’re looking back at some of the joyful moments, like our 25-Year Alumni kickoff call. The energy, excitement, and connection were palpable—and we can’t wait to continue the celebration! Join us in wishing them all the best on this milestone.

Make your voice heard. Have a say in Israel's future. Vote by May 4 and shape Israel’s future as a democratic, pluralistic state grounded in religious equality, women’s rights, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and peace: www.ZionistElection.org #VoteReformWZC2025 #WorldZionistCongress #YourVoteForIsraelsFuture

The countdown is on 🎓! Our ordination rehearsal this morning was filled with joy, pride, and a few happy nerves. We can't wait for the big day, how about you? Find out more about our ceremonies: huc.edu/news/hebrew-... #HebrewUnionCollege2025 #MazalTovHUC #HUCLeaders #HebrewUnionCollege #MazalTov

This year, we're raising funds in honor of Rabbi Dvora Weisberg, Ph.D. ’11 to celebrate her leadership and enduring impact on Jewish learning. Support the Summer Beit Midrash, and ensure that her vision continues to thrive so that more students can benefit from this opportunity: huc.edu/dweisberg

This Yom HaShoah, after the two-minute-long siren that echoed across Israel this morning, the Hebrew Union College Taube Family Campus in Jerusalem held a ceremony commemorating the six million Jewish victims of the holocaust. In the silence, stories, and light of each candle, we remember.

As Yom HaShoah begins, we remember the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust and honor the resilience of those who survived. May we carry their stories forward with compassion, courage, and an unwavering commitment to justice. #YomHashoah #WeRemember

Join “The Moral Dilemma Created by a Religious Canon: Reflections on How to Read, How to Teach, How to Live” with David Aaron, as he explores these questions through the lens of "Pirke Avot," a central compilation of Jewish ethical teachings: huc.edu/event/the-mo...

During Passover break, Year-In-Israel students traveled through Lithuania and Poland, exploring the deep roots and legacy of Jewish life in Vilna, Warsaw, and other key sites. From historic synagogues and cemeteries to vibrant contemporary communities, they engaged with the past and present.

Attend the Hebrew Union College Soup Kitchen gala! Enjoy student & alumni performances, dinner/drinks, raffles to continue feeding and caring for our neighbors in need. 🛍️ Bid in an online auction to support the mission: givebutter.com/c/t8o5RZ/auc... 🎟️ Gala registration: huc.edu/event/hebrew...

We give our sacred stories and traditions renewed meaning when we connect them to today’s crises and moral challenges. As we celebrate our freedom story this Passover, may we resolve to bring the hostages in Gaza and all who are vulnerable, threatened, or oppressed to freedom. Chag Pesach sameach!

Watch this year’s Dr. Fritz Bamberger Memorial Lecture, “Advancing Critical Study: Free Expression, Academic Freedom, and the Mission of Liberal Jewish Higher Learning,” presented by Frederick M. Lawrence: vimeo.com/1073731603

We're proud to announce the appointment of Judah M. Cohen, Ph.D., as our next Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Provost, starting 6/1/25. A renowned scholar and educator, Dr. Cohen has dedicated his work to exploring Jewish cultural expression as a dynamic and evolving process: huc.edu/news/hebrew-...

Join HUC Connect for the Fritz Bamberger Memorial Lecture. Presented by Frederick M. Lawrence, Secretary & CEO of Phi Beta Kappa Society; Distinguished Lecturer at Georgetown University, the lecture will explore the role of academic freedom in liberal Jewish higher education: huc.edu/event/the-fr...

Fifty years ago, Cantor Barbara Ostfeld ’75 changed the course of Jewish music and leadership as the first woman ordained as a cantor. On Founders’ Day this year, surrounded by faculty, students, alumni, & over 70 cantors she mentored, we honored her impact. Read more here: huc.edu/news/celebra...

Women’s History Month may technically be over, but we just couldn’t fit all the incredible people we want to celebrate into just one month. We’re proud to have many incredible leaders who continue to shape Judaism. Read more on some of our inspiring history-making women here: huc.edu/news/breakin...

With Graduation and Ordination celebrations right around the corner, we’re reaching out to all alumni. Do you remember this milestone? Have any advice for new Jewish leaders? Email us at [email protected] with your responses, we'd love to hear from you.

Save this post and tune in for the upcoming Senior Recitals from the Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music! Celebrate our students as they share their voices, talent, and passion. Watch the livestream: vimeo.com/event/269607

In honor of #InternationalTransgenderDayOfVisibility, we’re sharing fifth-year rabbinical student Benjamin Luks-Morgan recent article exploring the historical roots of transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive identities within Jewish tradition. www.lifeisasacredtext.com/transtorah/

As Hebrew Union College Faculty Rabbi Dvora Weisberg’s Ph.D. ’11 returns to full-time teaching, we recognize her leadership and impact on the rabbinical program and its students. In honor of her, please support the Summer Beit Midrash, a program she established and directed: huc.edu/dweisberg

Read the latest issue of the Impact newsletter featuring faculty highlights, like Hebrew Union College Faculty Christine Neal Thomas’, Ph.D., M.Div., exploration of royal women in the ancient Near East and the expansion of "The Torah: A Women’s Commentary on Sefaria,": mailchi.mp/huc/huc-jir-...

On this date in 1963, Hebrew Union College held opening convocation ceremonies for the Jerusalem campus. Pictured: Prime Minister Ben-Gurion at the dedication of Hebrew Union College/Jerusalem in 1963. Photo courtesy of Hebrew Union College’s @ajarchives.bsky.social

On Apr. 8, join the Fritz Bamberger Memorial Lecture, Advancing Critical Study: Free Expression, Academic Freedom and the Mission of Liberal Jewish Higher Learning, w/ Frederick M. Lawrence, Secretary & CEO, The Phi Beta Kappa Society; Distinguished Lecturer, Georgetown Law: huc.edu/event/the-fr...

On Founders’ Day, we honored Cantor Barbara Ostfeld ’75 as the first woman cantor and thus reshaping the Jewish world. As we celebrate 50 years of women in the cantorate, we honor her on this milestone as a testament to progress & a more inclusive, vibrant Jewish future: vimeo.com/1062069100

📢 The latest issue of our Impact newsletter is here! This month’s issue highlights 50 years of women in the cantorate with a special Founders’ Day service honoring Cantor Barbara Ostfeld ’75, the first woman cantor in the world, read about this historic milestone and more: mailchi.mp/huc/huc-jir-...

Women have shaped Jewish life, leadership, and scholarship for generations and our Women’s History playlist highlights just a few of their incredible stories. In honor of #WomensHistoryMonth, we invite you to listen and honor the impact of women in Jewish history: huc.edu/public-progr...

Check out this "Just For This" episode, where Rabbi @lizpghirsch.bsky.social '15 interviews CNN’s @dana-bash.bsky.social about leadership, journalism, & their shared Reform Jewish upbringing. Plus, a special shoutout to Hebrew Union College from Bash, whose mother, Frances Schwartz '96, is an alum:

During #WomensHistoryMonth we're proud to celebrate Cantor Barbara Ostfeld ’75, the first woman cantor. As we mark 50 years of women in the cantorate, we honor her milestone as a testament to progress & a step toward a more inclusive Jewish future. Watch NY Founders’ Day: vimeo.com/1062069100

Don't miss “Searching for Light: Songs of Love, Justice, and Peace,” a free concert celebrating Jewish choral masterpieces. Come experience the beauty and depth of Jewish music, join us for an evening of inspiration. Learn more and register here: yivo.org/Searching-fo...

Celebrate Purim with Hebrew Union College's Klau Library! Join "Behind the Laughter: How the Purim Shpiel Came to America," with Rabbi Zev Eleff, Ph.D. on 3/11, cosponsored by the American Jewish Archives. Learn more and register here: huc.edu/event/behind...

Today, we warmly welcomed the confirmation class from Congregation Kol Ami, Salt Lake City. We’re delighted to have these future Jewish leaders here with Cantor Adam Davis ‘18 as they explore and connect with the heart of Jewish learning and leadership. We wish them all an inspiring visit!

The Heller Museum at Hebrew Union College welcomes the acquisition of photography professional Joan Roth's portrait of Rabbi Sally Priesand '72, "Opening Doors: The World Moves Forward Every Day Because Someone Is Willing to Take the Risk," (2020-2021), into our permanent collection donated by Roth.

Stay up to date with Hebrew Union College with our Impact newsletter. In this issue, read how EMA students encountered Israel firsthand, clergy students explored ways to navigate “toxic polarization,” & others examined how Israel is taught in North America. us2.campaign-archive.com?u=4dfc04d3c9...

Hebrew Union College is a proud partner of @wrj1913.bsky.social 's 2025 Social Justice Conference! Join WRJ in Washington, D.C. this April for a conference designed to train you on social justice issues and teach you advocacy skills that you can use on a local (and federal!) level: wrj.org/sjc2025

Meet the first Ritually Rooted cohort, our newest fellowship for college students: huc.edu/news/meet-th... They're learning with faculty across HUC and the Jewish ecosystem. They'll also meet with mentors to create rituals to lead with the support of grants from Men of Reform Judaism.