A Word From the Chair of the Board
“ And these are the things for which a person receives the fruits [ of their labor ] in this world, AND the enduring‘ return on investment’ is in the world to come.”( Talmud, Tractate Shabbat, 137a) No single statement better summarizes my pride, joy, honor, and deep humility as I continue in my role as the Chair of the Board of Trustees of AJR. Writing this literally 24 hours after the end of our amazing, 4-day Fall Gathering, centered on the theme of“ Curiosity as a Spiritual Practice,” I find myself like the famed ladder in Jacob’ s dream; my feet are firmly planted on the ground / this world, and yet my head and heart are up in the heavenly spirit / community of students, alumni, faculty, senior administrative staff, and my fellow trustees. My work and, that of our Board, is but a part in the overall work of the school, which is developing the leaders who will guide the Jewish community into the future“ worlds-to-come.”
AJR’ s sustained growth and expansion over the past 8 years- with 107 students, so many wonderful and innovative ordination-track programs, and our astonishing five centers that are at the heart of our Institute of Applied Pluralism – is simply staggering. Our ordinees and graduates, whether recent or long-time, are trailblazing klei Kodesh, holy conduits and teachers of a pluralistic vision of Judaism that so clearly speaks to a changed and changing Jewish world. Fusing deep curiosity with intellectual rigor, profound spirituality, and sheer joy, AJR is still that precious gem which has retained its warmth, love, and deep commitment to mutual respect as we approach our 70th anniversary, next year.
" Our ordinees and graduates, whether recent or long-time, are trailblazing klei Kodesh, holy conduits and teachers of a pluralistic vision of Judaism..."
In“ Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” the poet Robert Frost says:“ But I have promises to keep, / And miles to go before I sleep.” This is a liminal time for the Jewish world AND for AJR. Our Board proudly reaffirms our commitment to the school, even as we seek new, additional trustees, new donors, and new soon-to-be friends of AJR. WE have the holy task of boldly moving forward, in ways large and small, to ensure that AJR continues its mission and vision for the NEXT 70 years.
So, if you’ re reading this and you’ re curious, I am interested in getting to know you. Let me help you learn more about AJR and hopefully discover your unique role in this glorious journey. I can promise you deeply rewarding experiences in the present- and an abiding contentment in the legacy you will create for the future of the Jewish people.
Dr. William Liss-Levinson Chair, Board of Trustees
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