American Jewish University Announces 2050 Institute to Strengthen the Jewish Future

LOS ANGELES – American Jewish University (AJU) announces the launch of the 2050 Institute at American Jewish University, a wide-ranging initiative designed to reimagine and reshape the future of Jewish life in North America.  Spearheaded by Jay Sanderson, former President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, the 2050 Institute will develop forward-thinking strategies, host a series of large-scale events, re-evaluate existing structures, and drive meaningful communal change.

The 2050 Institute is committed to bringing together the most influential leaders, thinkers, creators, and philanthropists from across disciplines to address the Jewish community’s most pressing challenges. It will move beyond traditional frameworks and embrace dynamic, action-oriented strategies that foster long-term sustainability and growth. 

“There is now a deep and growing sense of urgency for dramatic communal change,” said Jay Sanderson, CEO of the 2050 Institute. “The 2050 Institute will bring new leaders together to collaborate and create innovative action-directed ideas to transform our community for the next generation and generations to come.”

Sanderson brings extensive experience to his leadership of the 2050 Institute. Under his direction, the Institute will convene leading Jewish thinkers and changemakers to inspire the next generation of Jewish life. Key initiatives will include an annual summit held at the University’s Brandeis Bardin Campus in the Simi Valley, discipline-specific meetings, a fellowship program, a National Salon Series, and a grant-making initiative to encourage innovative solutions for the Jewish future. 

"The launch of the 2050 Institute at American Jewish University is a bold investment in the future of Jewish life,” said Dr. Jeffrey Herbst, President of American Jewish University. “Jay Sanderson’s wide breadth of experience makes him the ideal person to drive transformation. Together, we are committed to building a dynamic, action-driven hub that will reimagine Jewish leadership, engagement, and innovation for generations to come.” 

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About AJU: American Jewish University (AJU) is a thriving center of resources and talent that advances the Jewish journeys of individuals, organizations, and our community through excellence in scholarship, teaching, engaged conversation, experiential education, and outreach. AJU equips students, faculty, campers, and learners of all ages with the tools to create the ideas, build the structures, and develop the programs to advance Jewish wisdom and elevate our world. For more information, visit www.aju.edu.