Rabbi Cheryl Peretz Promoted to Vice Dean of American Jewish University’s Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies

LOS ANGELES – American Jewish University (AJU) announced today the promotion of Rabbi Cheryl Peretz to Vice Dean of the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies. As Vice Dean, Rabbi Peretz will expand her role in senior-level decisions and continue advancing gender equity and inclusion, developing innovative programming and teaching and mentoring rabbinical students – embodying the Ziegler School’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of Jewish leaders. 

"Rabbi Peretz has been a leader in rabbinic education from the beginning of Ziegler's launch, and is a cornerstone of everything the school does,” said Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson, Dean of the Ziegler School. “Ziegler’s successful rebirth in the past few years is largely due to Rabbi Peretz’s talent and devotion to the school. She manages her leadership and mentorship responsibilities all while teaching, counseling, and supporting us all. Elevating her to Vice Dean is a well-earned recognition of her leadership." 

Peretz was ordained by the Ziegler School in 2001, and her visionary leadership, dedication, and innovative contributions have been a cornerstone of the school. Her most notable accomplishments include spearheading the relocation of the Ziegler School to AJU’s Beverly Hills campus to ensure its continued vibrancy and relevance; advancing gender equity and inclusion through groundbreaking national initiatives; developing an innovative Israel-intensive program that deepens students’ connection to Israel and Jewish life worldwide; and launching a residency program for senior-year students that bridges academic learning with real-world rabbinic leadership. 

“The Ziegler School is a unique place for learning, growth leadership, and community,” said Peretz. “I am proud of the school’s significant growth over the past few years and am honored to be promoted to Vice Dean. In this role, I look forward to pioneering new paths to elevate our future rabbis, partnering with Rabbi Artson and our advisory board in elevating the school in the broader community, and furthering Ziegler’s reputation as an innovative, out-of-the-box leader in rabbinic education.” 

Peretz’s promotion to Vice Dean reflects the Ziegler School’s acknowledgment of Peretz’s exceptional leadership and the transformative role she continues to play within the institution. 

For more information about the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies and its programs, please visit www.aju.edu/ziegler. 

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About the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies: The Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies at American Jewish University is a leader in training rabbis for the Conservative Movement and the broader Jewish world. Known for its rigorous academic program, commitment to Jewish values, and dedication to leadership development, the Ziegler School inspires students to serve as compassionate, innovative, and impactful leaders in Jewish communities worldwide. Learn more at: www.aju.edu/ziegler.