Disrupting Jewish Institutions with AJU President Jay Sanderson
Being Jewish with Jonah Platt
Childhood Trauma and Antisemitic Violence
Jay recounts growing up in Boston projects, his father's death, and being buried alive after his bar mitzvah.
In this episode of 30 Minute Mensches, Jonah sits down with longtime Jewish communal leader Jay Sanderson, recently appointed President of American Jewish University (AJU). Sanderson recounts a harrowing childhood marked by intense antisemitic violence while growing up in Boston public housing, including a near-fatal incident in which he was buried alive. That trauma ultimately propelled him toward a life of Jewish leadership after a transformative summer in Israel facilitated by the Jewish Agency, culminating in a pivotal childhood encounter with David Ben-Gurion.
The conversation traces Sanderson’s career running major institutions such as Jewish Federation of Los Angeles and Jewish Television Network, before turning to his vision for the Jewish future. Sanderson critiques the Jewish world’s tendency to focus narrowly on combating antisemitism rather than proactively planning for long-term vitality. This outlook led to the creation of the 2050 Institute, an initiative designed to address the lack of adequate modern training for Jewish professionals and lack of planning for the Jewish future.
Sanderson explains why he came out of retirement after October 7 to lead AJU, outlining an ambitious plan to reimagine rabbinic education, expand the Miller Introduction to Judaism program, and position AJU as a central pipeline for future Jewish leaders. Jay’s challenge for leaders of today to get off the sidelines, bring new blood and ideas forward, and actively shape what the Jewish experience should look like in 25 years.
Topics of the episode include
- Jay Sanderson’s childhood trauma and antisemitism in Boston
- A near-death experience and its long-term psychological impact
- A formative Israel trip through the Jewish Agency
- Meeting David Ben-Gurion at a kibbutz
- Leadership roles at Jewish Federation of Los Angeles
- The founding vision of the 2050 Institute
- Sanderson becoming President of American Jewish University
- Expanding the Miller Introduction to Judaism program
- Reimagining the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies
Mentioned in the episode:
Brandeis-Bardin Campus of American Jewish University.
Jay Sanderson: President of AJU
Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies
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Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Business Officer: Kenyon Laing, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Nayman, Story Producer: Sasha Nelson, Associate Producer: Emma Webb, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, Production Associates: Rachel Stern, Charlie Zuker, YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editor: Gray Clevenger, Joe King. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt
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