Frequently Asked Questions
About Ziegler
What are key features of the Ziegler community?
- Student-focused faculty and a low faculty-to-student ratio
- A network of alumni serving across multiple U.S. states
- Access to the Torah Resource Center, with teachings and materials from faculty and alumni
These elements support both scholarship and community leadership.
What degree do students earn?
Students who complete all program requirements earn a Master of Arts in Rabbinic Studies (MARS) and receive rabbinic ordination upon graduation.
What is the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies?
The Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies is the graduate rabbinical school of American Jewish University, training students for rabbinic ordination within the Conservative/Masorti movement. It combines deep textual study with spiritual and professional formation.
What makes Ziegler different from other rabbinical schools?
Ziegler’s program blends deep traditional scholarship with practical rabbinic formation and a structured residency year, preparing students to lead with confidence, relevance, and spiritual insight in contemporary Jewish life.
Where is the Ziegler School located?
The school is based in Los Angeles, California, in the heart of a vibrant Jewish community that gives students access to institutions, synagogues, and cultural life while studying.
Financial Aid & Logistics
Is financial aid available?
Yes. Tuition for the Ziegler School is structured to be accessible, and students may qualify for loans, scholarships, and financial aid based on need and eligibility. Please contact us to discuss your options.
What are the admissions requirements?
Applicants typically must hold a bachelor’s degree and demonstrate academic readiness. Admissions decisions consider a range of factors, including transcripts and commitment to rabbinic study.
Curriculum
Do students gain real-world experience?
Yes. Beyond classroom learning, students participate in hands-on residencies and placements in synagogues, educational settings, Hillels, and other Jewish organizations as part of their professional training.
How long does the program take?
The curriculum is designed so that most students complete their studies in four years, including classroom study, experiential learning, and a final-year residency.
What does the curriculum include?
The Ziegler curriculum emphasizes:
- Intensive text study in Bible, Rabbinics, Jewish thought, and law
- Mastery of Hebrew language and classical sources
- Practical rabbinic skills and professional development
- Guided residency experiences in Jewish institutions
This foundation prepares students to serve communities with depth and relevance.