Whereas Dr. Arnold M. Eisen has served The Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS) as Chancellor for the past thirteen years with distinction;
Whereas Chancellor Eisen articulated his vision to the community with the publication of Conservative Judaism: Today and Tomorrow, his widely published articles and blog posts;
Whereas during his tenure, Chancellor Eisen has strengthened the historic stature of JTS as a source of world-class scholarship, innovation, and spiritual leadership for Conservative Judaism and what he has termed the “vital religious center” of North American Jewish life;
Whereas Chancellor Eisen has led a number of innovative and successful initiatives, including:
- JTS’s 21st Century Campus Project, opening this year, which will transform the JTS environment to encourage community and innovation with a new residence hall, library, performing arts center, and atrium;
- Expanding access to treasures from The JTS Library through digitization and a new state-of-the-art facility;
- Enhancing the strength of the renowned faculty and advancing the quality of teaching;
- Sharing JTS scholarship by creating new community courses, live-streamed events, and a rich menu of online learning opportunities;
- Developing JTS Torah Online, a collection of contemporary Jewish content used by thousands of people a year;
- The creation of JTS’s Block / Kolker Center for Spiritual Arts; the Center for Pastoral Education; the Milstein Center for Interreligious Dialogue; and the Hendel Center for Ethics and Justice;
- Programs to strengthen early childhood, experiential, adult, and Israel education.
Therefore, be it resolved that the Rabbinical Assembly extol Chancellor Eisen on his thirteen years of dedicated service to The Jewish Theological Seminary;
Be it further resolved that the Rabbinical Assembly praise Chancellor Eisen for his commitment to a strong worldwide Conservative/Masorti Jewry; and
Be it further resolved that the Rabbinical Assembly wish him hatzlahah rabbah in his future endeavors as a scholar and teacher at JTS and among the Jewish people.