(New York, NY)—Rabbi Dr. Zev Eleff has been appointed Chief Academic Officer of the Hebrew Theological College (HTC), soon to be affiliated with the Touro College and University System. The Higher Learning Commission has approved this partnership and the affiliation will be complete at the end of June, Touro and HTC announced today.
Hebrew Theological College has a nearly 100-year history of providing educational opportunities for advanced Jewish studies as well as rabbinic and academic scholarship and intellectual learning. More recently, programs have been added to prepare students for careers in accounting, education, business, health sciences, psychology, and more.
“The fundamental principles on which HTC and Touro were founded are closely aligned—strengthening the Jewish community and a commitment to academic excellence,” said Dr. Alan Kadish, President and CEO of Touro College and University System. “Dr. Eleff’s impressive scholarly and educational credentials will undoubtedly enhance the academic quality of HTC and we look forward to his leadership,” continued Kadish.
Eleff earned a Masters in History and Education from Teachers College at Columbia University and a PhD in Jewish history from Brandeis University. He received Rabbinic Ordination from the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary at Yeshiva University. Dr. Eleff has authored five books and more than 30 scholarly articles, published in both English and Hebrew. He was most recently an instructor in the Department of Near Eastern and Judaic Studies at Brandeis University.
“As a historian, I deeply value the rich tradition and history of this venerated institution,” said Eleff. “HTC and its leaders have always encouraged positive change. As we embark on this newest journey, I am delighted to work with the school’s outstanding leadership to evaluate current offerings and identify new educational opportunities for our students. I embrace the opportunity to meld traditional Jewish learning, undergraduate teaching, and rigorous scholarship.”
“We are enthusiastic about the partnership between Hebrew Theological College and the Touro College and University System,” said Rabbi Shmuel L. Schuman, HTC’s Interim CEO/Chancellor. “Both our student populations and institutions’ philosophical approaches to education are similar. The affiliation between these two esteemed academic institutions will broaden both of our horizons and greatly benefit our constituencies. We welcome Rabbi Dr. Eleff to the HTC community, knowing that he brings a new and valued dimension to our College. We are confident that HTC students will expand their knowledge and reach new heights in their academic pursuits and scholarship,” added Schuman.
