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Essays
Several essays are asked of each candidate as a part of the Application File.
They should total between six and ten typed pages and discuss the following:
For the Rabbinical Program:
1. Write a personal history/spiritual autobiography giving the background to
your decision to become a rabbi and your reasons for selecting AJR, CA.
2. Describe your current beliefs and ways of living/practicing Judaism; please
discuss what you love and enjoy as well as areas of struggle and concern.
3. Give us your vision of what your future rabbinate might look like. Whom would
you like to serve and in what context?
For the Cantorial Program:
1. Write a personal history/spiritual autobiography giving the background to
your decision to become a cantor and your reasons for selecting AJR, CA.
2. Describe your current beliefs and ways of living/practicing Judaism; please
discuss what you love and enjoy as well as areas of struggle and concern.
3. Please read the essay "The Vocation of the Cantor" by Abraham Joshua Heschel
(enclosed with Application Materials) and describe similarities and differences
between his vision of the cantorate and your own.
Psychological Evaluation
Prior to meeting with the Admissions Committee, applicants will be asked to make
an appointment for an interview with an AJR, CA psychological consultant. This
consultant will forward a confidential report to the Board of Admissions. This
interview is designed to provide information on the suitability of a candidate
to undertake the rigorous training demanded in preparation for a life of religious
leadership.
The report on this interview is confidential and will be available only to members
of the Board of Admissions and members of the AJR Senior Administration. The
applicant will be asked to sign a waiver of right of access to the psychological
report.
The Admissions Interview
The AJR, CA Admissions Committee is charged with making all decisions concerning
admission to the Academy Ordination Programs. The Committee comprises members
of the Academy's Senior Administration, faculty and Board of Directors. The interview
will last for approximately an hour and will be wide ranging. Questions may relate
to the Application Essays or any other topic of interest or concern to the Committee.
A role-play may be introduced to explore particular areas and
personal style.
The interview for Cantorial applicants will also include an audition. Each candidate
should prepare a list of five pieces, from which the Committee will probably
select two or three for performance. The selections should acquaint the Committee
with the full range of vocal and interpretive abilities; at least three of the
pieces should be drawn from Jewish repertoire, and one of them should represent
traditional cantorial style and one a more informal style.
Notification of Acceptance
We generally advise an applicant of the decision within two weeks of the interview.
An application may be unconditionally accepted, or accepted with stipulations
or conditions. If an application is rejected, guidance may be given concerning
the interval that should elapse before a further application would be considered.
An acceptance to The Academy for Jewish Religion, CA is valid until the beginning
of the semester following the anniversary of the interview date. Matriculation
into the Academy is contingent upon passing the appropriate Entrance Examination.
Full details and explanation of all matters concerning application to AJR, CA
are contained within the Admissions Materials, and the Director of Admissionswill
be glad to offer general guidance and to respond to any questions.
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