American Jewish University announces the appointment of Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson as Mordecai Kaplan Distinguished Scholar, effective July 1, reporting directly to AJU president Jay Sanderson.
In this elevated role, Artson becomes a unifying Jewish voice across the university—shaping thought, teaching and dialogue at every level of AJU’s work. He will continue to serve on AJU’s senior leadership team and remain dean of the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies through the end of the current academic year, while expanding his impact across AJU’s programs, initiatives and broader community.
“As we begin a serious reimagination of American Jewish University—as both a university and a living laboratory of Judaism—Rabbi Artson is quite literally underlining the word ‘Jewish’ in American Jewish University,” Sanderson said. “In his new role as Mordecai Kaplan Distinguished Scholar, Rabbi Artson will be asking how we can deepen Jewish knowledge and learning in everything we do, no matter the audience or format. He will serve as the Jewish conscience of this university as it reimagines itself and what it means to a Jew for the next generation.”
As Mordecai Kaplan Distinguished Scholar, Artson will serve as AJU’s scholar-in-residence, teaching across the university’s academic and experiential programs and bringing a deeply rooted, values-driven Jewish perspective to institutional conversations. In this role, he will help ensure that Jewish learning, thought and leadership remain central to AJU’s mission.
“AJU president Jay Sanderson has brought a remarkable new vision, empowering the staff to think more boldly and embrace what’s possible. It feels like he’s inviting me to be on the front row of that effort—and that feels great,” Artson said. “After years of leadership and teaching, being asked to help shape a major expansion is both meaningful and energizing.”
This appointment represents a strategic step forward for AJU. Artson’s expanded, institution-wide position will help anchor the university in Jewish scholarship, leadership and intellectual depth—connecting tradition and innovation across AJU’s programs and platforms.
This moment also marks a celebration of an extraordinary legacy. Artson’s 25 years as the Roslyn and Abner Goldstine Dean’s Chair of the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies have been nothing short of transformative. Widely regarded as one of the finest Jewish teachers of his generation, his influence on students, colleagues and the broader Jewish world is profound and enduring.
“People gravitate to Rabbi Artson for his intellect, his extensive knowledge of all aspects of Judaism and his tremendous concern for the Jewish people in Los Angeles, throughout the United States and internationally,” said Virginia Maas, former AJU board chair and past chair of the Ziegler Rabbinical School. “I am pleased that he will continue to be an outstanding ambassador for AJU in his new leadership role.”
AJU will honor Rabbi Artson on May 19 with a gala celebration at Stephen Wise Temple, recognizing his accomplishments and new stage in his leadership and teaching.
Media Contact: Ryan Torok, ryan.torok@aju.edu.
