Since its earliest stages, Reform Judaism has had a deep connection to the academic study of Judaism. The Reform movement continues this tradition with the intellectually rigorous training of rabbis and other Jewish professionals as well as the numerous educational programs in Reform institutions (scholars-in-residence, Kallot, adult ed., "Torahthons", etc.). We are blessed with a significant number of Reform rabbis whose primary careers are in academia, both at secular institutions of higher learning and HUC-JIR. Some colleagues have part-time positions at these institutions while other colleagues pursue academic interests without formal association with a college or university. Such individuals enrich the Reform Movement by combining an up-to-date understanding of contemporary scholarship and intellectual trends to a close and deep knowledge of Reform Judaism. Below is a list of these academic rabbis with brief bios, contact information, and potential lecture topics. Also included are links to further information such as websites and more extensive versions of resumes. Please take advantage of the expertise and pedagogical talent of this distinguished group of colleagues and friends of Reform Judaism. The primary purpose of this website is to facilitate access to the scholars associated with our movement for people planning events such as lectures, workshops, scholar-in-residence programs, etc. that would benefit from the contribution of intellectuals familiar with Reform Judaism.
