ALEPH Ordination Programs - RABBINIC PATH

The ALEPH Rabbinic Program is a non-denominational, highly decentralized program of learning which offers structured guidance and mentorship in pursuing the rigorous studies and practica which can culminate in rabbinic ordination. We are proud that approximately 80 rabbis and scholars from across the denominational spectrum are now participating in diverse aspects of the training of over 40 students. The Rabbinic Program is  joined by the Cantorial Program and the Rabbinic Pastor Program, which prepares Jewish Rabbinic Pastors to provide spiritual direction, support, and counseling in chaplaincy and congregational settings.

The ALEPH Rabbinic Program is open to students of diverse backgrounds and from every denomination, either as a supplement to their current or completed studies in another rabbinical seminary, or as their primary location for preparation for an active rabbinate. Active engagement in the unique Jewish Renewal approaches to spirituality, celebration, prayer, learning, community-building and tikkun olam brings students and prospective applicants to the forefront of Jewish creative life.

The ALEPH Rabbinic Program is built upon the pioneering work of the visionary catalyst of Jewish renewal, and ALEPH founder, Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi. Growing out of the process whereby he trained and ordained a close circle of talmidim in the late 1970's and 1980's, the ALEPH Rabbinic Program is emerging as  a substantial and well regarded seminary, participating in the worldwide conference of Rabbinical School deans.

The Purpose and Goal of the ALEPH Rabbinic Program

The foundation and center of the Rabbinic Program is the Mystery we name God. We understand Judaism to be the individual and collective responses of Jews throughout our history, both in thought and deed, to the ongoing manifestations of the Divine.  In studying religious texts, Jewish history, and the visions and values of our spiritual leaders, we are concerned with how the Divine has been and is now being revealed through Jewish experience.  And we are equally concerned with how we—as individuals and as communities—respond to Divine revelations in our solitude, in our relationships and in our work.

We expect students to become masters of tradition, in continuous dialogue with our ancestors.  But we keep in mind the teaching of the Ba'al Shem Tov: "We say, 'Eloheynu v'elohey avoteynu' (and now imoteynu) in that order because our first concern is with how we experience the Divine."  We have faith that the still, small Voice will direct our students in each present moment - as we continually experience Divine direction - im b'kolo tish'ma-u, if we choose to hear.  We pray that they listen, and in their pursuit of Torah, learn how they are being called to the task of integrating spiritual and moral treasures from our heritage into their own lives, that they become messengers to those who seek to drink from the Living Water.  Keyn y'hi ratzon.

The Board of Directors of Study (the Va'ad) endorses the ETHICS STATEMENT OF THE VAAD OF THE ALEPH ORDINATION PROGRAMS and requires teachers in our ordination programs to provide the Dean with a STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE. Additionally, the Va'ad encourages all of our students to obtain a STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE (downloadable in .pdf form) from each of their teachers who are not associated with our ordination programs.

Membership in OHaLaH ALEPH

Rabbinical students are eligible for membership in OHaLaH: Agudat HaRabbanim L'Hithadshut HaYahadut – Association of Rabbis for Jewish Renewal. This pan-denominational rabbinical association provides continuing education, professional support, ethical guidance and supervision, and collegial fellowship for qualifying rabbis, cantors and rabbinic pastors.  http://www.ohalah.org