American Jewish University

American Jewish University is a thriving center of Jewish resources and talent built upon core values of Jewish Learning, Culture, Ethics, Leadership and Peoplehood. In 2007, the University of Judaism acquired the Brandeis-Bardin Institute, creating a landmark entity, from then on known as American Jewish University. This new organization now boasts two campuses, a single vision and a shared future. Today, American Jewish University is one of the largest and most innovative Jewish institutions in the country. 

Heartened by our vibrant Jewish community, we continue to add faculty, expand our curriculum and develop innovative academic programs that prepare undergraduate, graduate and rabbinical students for rewarding lives – as leaders in the Jewish community as well as society at large. Our graduates are making a difference in the world.

In 1947, the University of Judaism (UJ) was founded in Los Angeles, based on the vision of Dr. Mordecai Kaplan, author of Judaism as a Civilization, who advocated the creation of an educational institution incorporating diverse elements of Jewish civilization and culture.

Six years earlier, BCI (the Brandeis Camp Institute) was founded by Dr. Shlomo Bardin to respond to assimilation of young American Jews by making “the great ethical heritage of Judaism” relevant to them. This effort was located for brief periods of time in Amherst, NH, Winterdale, PA and Hendersonville, NC before finding its home in 1947 in Simi Valley, California.