The Jewish Theological Seminary Launches New Center Dedicated to Ethics and Justice
Rooted in Jewish history, teaching, and texts, the Hendel Center will offer academic study, skills training, internships, panels, lectures, workshops and research opportunities. The center will convene clergy, educators and activists from various faith communities to study, share ideas and collaborate to address pressing ethical issues. A key part of the center’s mission includes partnering across faith lines to help bridge the divides confronting society today.
Rabbi Stephanie Ruskay will serve as the first executive director of the center and Professor Yonatan Brafman will serve as the academic director.
According to Pew’s 2013 survey of American Jews, 56 percent of respondents said that working for justice and equality is essential to what they believe “being Jewish” means. Through the establishment of the Hendel Center, JTS aims to create a preeminent training ground in ethics and justice for Jewish leaders.