Earning the Title of RJE: A Practitioner’s Perspective
What does the RJE title mean to me? I appreciate the weight, depth, and impact of my work throughout my career that is indicated by these three letters. My dad is a (now retired!) doctor and has a ton of letters after his name, even more because he's a specialist. The letters on his lab coat always gave him well-deserved gravitas when he walked into a patient's room. I feel that my RJE title tells people that there is a LOT of work that is behind the name they're seeing next to it.
I believe that others should consider applying because you should always be working toward a new goal — some are large (a masters) and some are small (clearing off your desk) — because they help you measure all the ways and places you're growing, changing, and evolving. Becoming an RJE means that you have the training, education, and experience to call yourself a new level of expert in the field. Plus, your organization should be happy to support you — and brag about you!
Sara Beth Berman, RJE
Director of Youth and Family Education
Temple Shaaray Tefila
WHAT IS RJE?
The Reform Jewish Educator (RJE) title is awarded to educators who meet academic and professional standards. The same standards are required for all educators, while recognizing the diverse backgrounds of the men and women currently in the field of Reform Jewish education.
WHO GRANTS THE RJE TITLE?
The RJE Title Granting Commission is an independent body that is comprised of representatives from the American Conference of Cantors (ACC), the Association of Reform Jewish Educators (ARJE), the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR), Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR), and the
Union for Reform Judaism (URJ). This membership has its roots in the Joint Commission on Jewish Education of the UAHC and the CCAR (later to become the URJ-CCAR-NATE Commission on Religious Education). The RJE Title Granting Commission is chaired by Beth Ellen Young, RJE.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO EARN THE TITLE OF RJE?
There are four academic pathways to meet the requirements that are then paired with professional requirements. These pathways are: Rabbinic Ordination, Cantorial Investiture, Master’s Degree in Jewish Education (or equivalent) and Master’s Degree in Jewish Studies (or equivalent). The specific requirements for each category can be found on the ARJE website.
WHAT CAN I DO IF I HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE REQUIREMENTS?
Please reach out to Robin Eisenberg, RJE Registrar to discuss your specific background and experience and answer any questions you have about the application.
WHAT IS THE TIMELINE?
Applications for the RJE are accepted on an annual basis. The Commission processes most applications between August and December. The deadline for applications is generally December 15. You will be informed of the decision about your application as soon as it is approved. You may start using the title as soon as it is approved. Certificates are typically presented in connection with an appropriate ARJE experience.
WHY SHOULDN’T I CONTACT THE ARJE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WITH QUESTIONS?
Despite the similarities in letters, the RJE Title Granting Commission operates separately from the ARJE. The ARJE Executive Director, of course, will be happy to connect you with the appropriate person!