American Jewish University has appointment of Rabbi Sherre Hirsch as its new chief innovation officer.

Rabbi Sherre Hirsch

Hirsch will be tasked with reimagining Jewish education, outreach and engagement in the university’s wide-ranging platform, which includes campuses in Bel Air and Brandeis, California, a nationally-acclaimed rabbinical school and numerous community and public educational programs. She will also provide intellectual leadership for AJU’s Whizin Center for Continuing Education in Bel Air, which offers classes, lectures, author events, concerts and performances.

“We are thrilled to bring Rabbi Hirsch onto our senior leadership team to help drive AJU’s development of a new paradigm for education that meets the needs of our rapidly evolving community in Los Angeles and beyond,” said AJU President Dr. Jeffrey Herbst. “At a time when people are increasingly searching for spirituality and educational options beyond traditional institutions, AJU is uniquely positioned to deliver a new model for programming that engages and enlightens communities locally, nationally and globally, both inside and outside of the Jewish world. Rabbi Hirsch’s extraordinary experience, wisdom and insight will be invaluable in developing this new model.”

Often described as a “soul entrepreneur,” Hirsch brings a unique combination of experience as a rabbi, senior executive at national Jewish institutions, published author and leading public intellectual who frequently provides commentary on issues of spirituality and religion.

“I am honored to return to my alma mater, American Jewish University, as it charts an exciting new course to tackle the greatest challenges facing the Jewish community and the world,” Hirsch said. “My career has been focused around cultivating disruptive innovation that can advance the great project of Jewish peoplehood. I look forward to continuing this work at AJU, where there is a unique opportunity to leverage Jewish innovation and values to empower Jews and non-Jews alike.”

Hirsch gained widespread attention as the first female rabbi at Sinai Temple, the largest conservative congregation on the West Coast. In her most recent role as senior rabbinic scholar at Hillel International, Hirsch created Hillelwell, an initiative expanding preventative mental health services. Hirsch has also written the books “Thresholds, How to Live Fearlessly and Regret Free” and “We Plan, God Laughs, What to do When Life Hits You Over the Head.”

For information, visit aju.edu.