torah fund - The Jewish Theological Seminary

ELEMENTS OF THE CONSERVATIVE MOVEMENT
The Conservative Movement includes several institutions, each of which plays an important role.
Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs (FJMC)—Created in 1929 by Rabbi Samuel M.
Cohen, FJMC links the brotherhoods and men’s clubs affiliated with Conservative
synagogues. It promotes the appreciation of Jewish heritage and the active
engagement in Jewish communal and synagogue life among its members and the
community at large.
The Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS)—The Jewish Theological Seminary is a
preeminent institution of Jewish higher education that integrates rigorous academic
scholarship and teaching with a commitment to strengthening Jewish tradition,
Jewish lives, and Jewish communities. JTS articulates a vision of Judaism that is
pluralist and authentic, traditional and egalitarian; one that is thoroughly grounded
in Torah and fully engaged with the societies and cultures of the present. Our vision
joins faith with inquiry and the covenant of our ancestors with the creative insights of
today. JTS serves North American Jewry by educating intellectual and spiritual
leaders for Conservative Judaism and the vital religious center.
Rabbinical Assembly (RA)—Founded in 1901, the RA is the international association of
Conservative rabbis. With more than 1,500 members, the RA promotes the ongoing
training and professional welfare of its members; formulates the Conservative
interpretation of Jewish law through its Committee on Law and Standards; publishes
books, articles, and journals, including the journal Conservative Judaism; and
connects various Conservative rabbinical seminaries.
Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies (SIJS)—Founded in 1984, SIJS is affiliated with
JTS and the Masorti (Conservative) Movement. It encompasses the Graduate School,
Schechter Rabbinical Seminary, and a variety of academic programs in Jewish studies.
The Seminario Rabínico Latinoamericano—JTS's educational affiliate in Buenos
Aires, Argentina, the Seminario’s mission is to provide Jewish leadership in Argentina,
Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and all of Latin America.
United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ)—Founded in 1913 by Dr. Solomon
Schechter, USCJ is the umbrella organization for almost 800 Conservative
congregations. It serves as a resource for its affiliated congregations and establishes
the Conservative Jewish response to pressing social and religious issues.
Women’s League for Conservative Judaism (WLCJ)—Founded in 1918 by Mathilde
Schechter, it serves as the umbrella organization for the hundreds of congregational
women’s and sisterhood organizations. Dedicated to the enrichment of Jewish life,
Women’s League is committed to the perpetuation of traditional Judaism in the home,
synagogue, and community through educational programs, guidance, and support to
lay and professional leaders.
Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies (ZSRS)—Founded in 1996, ZSRS is the first
Conservative rabbinical school on the West Coast. Housed on the campus of the
American Jewish University in Los Angeles, this five-year rabbinical school values
rigorous scholarship with a pervasive emphasis on Jewish thought and professional
development.
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