HUC-JIR Launches Online Rabbinical Program to Address Enrollment and Financial Struggles

HUC-JIR launches an online rabbinical program to combat declining enrollment and financial struggles, adapting to contemporary learning needs for future Jewish leaders.

Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) is currently navigating a challenging landscape marked by dwindling enrollment in its rabbinical school and persistent financial strains.

In a bid to adapt, the college has recently introduced an online rabbinical program aimed at capturing the interest of a wider student base.

Transition to Online Learning

Traditionally, students at HUC-JIR immerse themselves in communal worship, enhancing their education by leading services and participating in chevruta—a collaborative study method where pairs analyze Jewish texts.

This hands-on approach has been a hallmark of their training, typically spanning five years.

Beginning in January, a new wave of students will embark on their studies with a notable change: instead of in-person interactions, they will engage over the internet.

Although the program is designed to retain elements like prayer and chevruta, all interactions will occur online.

The initial cohort consists of ten students, reflecting a strategic move to attract those who cannot attend in-person sessions, which could also bolster the institution’s financial footing.

Challenges and Strategic Adaptations

HUC-JIR, which supports the Reform movement in Judaism, has faced significant challenges regarding enrollment and finances in recent years.

This situation has prompted tough choices, including the reduction of in-person programs.

The launch of the online initiative arrives at a crucial junction, as liberal rabbinical schools across the country struggle to recruit and cultivate future rabbis.

The appeal of online rabbinical training is also on the rise.

As it stands, HUC-JIR has about 132 rabbinical students spread across its campuses in Jerusalem, Los Angeles, and New York, with the Cincinnati program set to close after the 2025-26 academic year.

Over the past 15 years, enrollment has plummeted by 37 percent.

The current fall semester sees an overall drop in the student body to 240, down from 250 last year and 293 two years ago.

Andrew Rehfeld, president of HUC-JIR, highlighted that the virtual program is designed to cater to those who are becoming accustomed to online formats for education and work.

It aims to draw in students who might be geographically distant from HUC-JIR campuses or those contemplating a new career path in the rabbinate.

He stressed the importance of evolution within HUC-JIR, emphasizing the school’s role in nurturing Jewish leadership.

The new online program is intended to serve this mission nationwide, allowing the college to reach individuals regardless of their proximity to physical campuses.

Future Vision and Educational Standards

Rehfeld pointed out that many liberal rabbinical schools share similar challenges; recent figures show that the Jewish Theological Seminary saw a decline in new rabbinical student enrollments from 100 in 2007 to just 52 in 2022.

Plans for the online program took shape in 2022, coinciding with the surprising decision to discontinue HUC-JIR’s 150-year-old in-person rabbinical program in Cincinnati.

This choice ignited discussions within the community about the institution’s academic future.

Although the Cincinnati campus will shut down, core academic resources like its library and archives will remain accessible.

The need for this virtual initiative was prompted by persistent financial challenges.

From 2010 to 2020, the college operated with a structural deficit of roughly $1.5 million per year, which climbed to nearly $4 million in 2021.

If the Cincinnati program hadn’t been closed, projections indicated an anticipated $8.8 million shortfall for 2022.

HUC-JIR is working towards achieving a balanced budget by 2029.

Launching the online pathway is deemed critical for preserving the college’s reputation and ensuring its long-term viability.

Rehfeld believes that identifying the elements that will attract students is vital, even if the costs align with those of traditional programs.

He views the online option as having increased potential to engage learners effectively.

Despite these financial hurdles, some stakeholders are worried about the ramifications of closing the physical programs.

Rabbi Gary Zola, who recently retired from HUC-JIR, raised concerns that the absence of on-campus scholars and students might negatively impact the college’s academic resources, particularly the Klau Library in Cincinnati, which is renowned for its collection of rare Jewish texts.

To facilitate the new online program, faculty and rabbinical leaders have reevaluated their training methods.

They have worked to develop a curriculum conducive to producing spiritual leaders in a virtual environment.

However, they acknowledge the inherent challenges of fostering relationships and personal growth, aspects often nurtured in traditional classroom settings.

The online program begins with an initial three-day in-person engagement at the Cincinnati campus, transitioning to two weekly online synchronous classes, complemented by flexible asynchronous courses.

Students will also engage in prayer services via virtual sessions hosted on different campuses or lead services within their local communities, followed by reflective discussions with their peers.

A notable increase in online rabbinical programs has occurred in recent years, encompassing both traditional and pluralistic approaches.

While Rabbi Zola recognizes the benefits of well-structured online options, he warns that some programs may lack the rigorous standards essential for effective leadership within Jewish communities.

To uphold high educational standards, HUC-JIR mandates that candidates for its inaugural online program possess advanced degrees in Jewish studies or related disciplines, alongside a strong foundation in Hebrew.

This requirement is intended to ensure the successful implementation of the program.

Rehfeld firmly believes that neglecting to offer an online rabbinical education would deny the evolving needs of Jewish communities.

He underscores the importance of reaching out to prospective leaders and addressing the growing demand for Jewish leadership in the years to come.

Source: Insidehighered