Rabbi David Ellenson
Rabbi David Ellenson is a prominent American rabbi, scholar, and leader in the Reform Judaism movement. He served as the President of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) from 2001 to 2013 and is now Chancellor Emeritus and I.H. and Anna Grancell Professor Emeritus of Jewish Religious Thought at HUC-JIR. His academic work primarily focuses on the history and modern challenges of Jewish religious thought, ethics, and law, particularly in the context of Reform Judaism.
Throughout his career, Rabbi Ellenson has been deeply involved in interfaith dialogue and the study of Jewish denominationalism, gender issues, and bioethics among other topics. He has written extensively on the adaptation of Jewish law and tradition in the modern world, contributing significantly to contemporary Jewish thought and practice. His scholarly work often examines the balance between tradition and change in Jewish life, making him a respected figure in both academic and religious circles.
Rabbi Ellenson's leadership at HUC-JIR was marked by his commitment to fostering Jewish education that is intellectually rigorous and spiritually meaningful. He has been a vocal advocate for social justice and has worked to make Jewish learning accessible and relevant to a broad audience. His writings and teachings continue to influence students, scholars, and community leaders across the Jewish world and beyond, promoting a vision of Judaism that is inclusive and adaptive to the needs of contemporary society.