About ALEPH Ordination Program's Jewish Renewal Seminary

The ALEPH Ordination Program’s Jewish Renewal Seminary is dedicated to training the next generation of rabbis, cantors, rabbinic pastors, and mashpi'im (spiritual directors). The ALEPH Jewish Renewal Seminary encompasses the Rabbinical School, the Cantorial School, the Rabbinic Pastor School and the Spiritual Direction Training Program. Founded over 20 years ago by Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, these programs draw on the rich legacy of Jewish mystical and Hasidic traditions while incorporating innovative approaches to the revitalization of Jewish prayer, practice, and spiritual development. The ALEPH Jewish Renewal Seminary cultivates a unique educational approach, grounding students in traditional rabbinical, cantorial and pastoral studies while infusing many aspects of their learning with profound mystical insights, creating a rich tapestry of knowledge that bridges ancient wisdom and contemporary spiritual practice.

Operating on a low-residency model, the school combines live video classes with residential retreats, allowing students to engage deeply with their studies while maintaining flexibility in their personal and professional lives. Each student collaborates with a Director of Studies and a mashpia (spiritual director) to design their yearly learning plan, nurturing the student’s spiritual and academic growth and deepening their connection to Jewish wisdom, spiritual practice and pastoral care.

The ALEPH Jewish Renewal Seminary features a distinguished faculty composed of renowned rabbis, cantors, and educators celebrated for their scholarly expertise, spiritual depth, and passion for teaching. The faculty integrate the teachings of the Kabbalistic realms of the Four Worlds into their pedagogy, enriching the spiritual, intellectual and emotional journey of their students, while imparting knowledge and practical skills.

Upon completing their studies, graduates emerge as empowered and compassionate Jewish leaders, equipped to serve as teachers, pulpit leaders, ritual artists, healers, pastoral caregivers, and spiritual guides, ready to make meaningful contributions to the Jewish community and beyond.

Programs: Rabbinic Ordination; Cantorial Ordination; Rabbinic Pastor Ordination; Three-year Hashpa’ah Training Program (spiritual direction)