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:
Jewish Federation LA
Jewish Television Network
Jewish Agency
David Ben Gurion Kibbutz
The 2050 Institute
Brandeis-Bardin Campus of American Jewish University.
Jay Sanderson: President of AJU
Eric D. Fingerhut
Miller Intro to Judaism
Rabbi Tarlan Rabizadeh
Camp Alonim
BCI
Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies
Tzomet Games
Aspen Institute
Jay.Sanderson@AJU.edu
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