Candidate for Accreditation
As of March, 2009, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), one of six regional associations that accredit public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the United States, has now recognized the Academy as a "Candidate for Accreditation."One of the benefits of this new distinction is that our students are now eligible to apply for federal grants and loans. In announcing this latest designation, AJR, CA President, Rabbi Mel Gottlieb said, "We are thrilled that we are moving forward in the Accreditation process and very pleased about the impact that this has on our students. I want to thank everyone involved, particularly Dr. Tamar Frankiel, who in addition to being the Academy's Dean of Academic Affairs and Professor of Comparative Religion, serves as our Liaison Officer to WASC and has worked so diligently in that regard."

Board of Rabbis Invitation
On March 11th, 2009, the Board of Rabbis of Southern California voted to accept AJR, CA graduates as eligible for membership in their organization which brings together more than 290 rabbis representing the Conservative, Orthodox, Reconstructionist and Reform denominations. The formal request for membership was put forth by Musmachim of the Academy for Jewish Religion, CA (MAJR); the professional rabbinical association founded by pluralistic rabbis who have graduated from and been ordained by AJR, CA. Rabbi Lynn Brody '05 and Rabbi Miriam Hamrell '03 serve as MAJR's Co-Presidents. In announcing the decision, the Board's President, Rabbi Stewart L. Vogel, and Executive Vice President, Rabbi Mark S. Diamond, offered congratulations to MAJR members and said "We extend special appreciation to Rabbi Mel Gottlieb, President of the Academy for Jewish Religion, CA, for his leadership during this process.”

Positive Vote by the Cantors Assembly
In February, 2009, the members of the Cantors Assembly, the largest body of Hazzanim in the world, voted to accept AJR, CA graduates as eligible for membership in this highly respected organization. In commenting on that decision, Cantor Nathan Lam, the Dean of AJR, CA's Cantorial School who is also a past international president of the Cantors Assembly and the current president of the Cantors Assembly Foundation said, "I am so proud that AJR, CA graduates have the opportunity to become part of the Cantors Assembly, an organization which helps preserve and enhance the traditions of the Jewish people."

Recognition for the Chaplaincy Program
In recent months, the Academy’s Chaplaincy Program has received significant recognition by two national associations. The Rabbinic Pastors Association (RPA), the chaplaincy association affiliated with OHALAH, announced that graduates from the Academy’s Chaplaincy Program are eligible for membership in the RPA and that students in the program are eligible for Student membership. In addition, the National Association of Jewish Chaplains (NAJC) has also notified the Academy that AJR, CA students and graduates are now eligible for NAJC membership.

Academy Invited to Be Part of Bet Din
Academy alumni and faculty have been invited to participate on the Sandra Caplan Community Bet Din; the Bet Din founded in 2002 on the premise that conversion to Judaism can and ought to be a trans-denominational experience, adhering to firm standards, directed by a professional rabbinate that guides and welcomes the candidate for conversion with sensitivity and gentleness. Rabbis from the Conservative, Reconstructionist, and Reform Movements have agreed on standards and procedures which assure that the convert will be welcomed by the overwhelming majority of the Jewish community. The establishment of a multi-denominational, permanent sitting court is virtually unprecedented. It is the result of several years of consultation among leaders of the religious movements in Southern California and the Academy is honored to be part of this important community institution.