Maas Center at AJU

09/11/2026

Many languages. One message—a sweet, healthy and joyous new year!

🍎✨ Wishing you and your loved ones a Shanah Tovah u’Metukah — a meaningful and sweet new year from all of us at AJU's Maas Center for Jewish Journeys.

🌟 In 5787 discover the power of doing Jewish with the Maas Center at maascenter.aju.edu

09/09/2026

The new year is here, and it begins with the month of Tishrei. 🍯

Filled with more holidays than any other month, Tishrei takes us from Rosh Hashanah to Simchat Torah. After the preparation and reflection of Elul, we are invited to put our intentions into action. We wear white. We pray. We reflect. We celebrate.

Tishrei reminds us that a sweet, good year is not only something we wish for—it is something we build, one intention and one action at a time.

Shanah tovah! May this year be filled with sweetness, joy, and meaningful new beginnings. ✨

09/01/2026

Are you ready for Rosh Hashanah? Wondering what to wear or how to prepare? Join us for a crash course with Rabbi John Carrier and explore the meaning, liturgy, customs, and big ideas.

🗓️ September 8 | 6:30 PM PST | Online

Sign up now at AJU.EDU/EVENS 🍯🍎

08/26/2026

✨ Mark the High Holy Days with meaning 🌊

As we approach Rosh Hashanah, the mikvah can also offer a beautiful way to prepare for the new year. A moment to immerse, reflect, reset, and begin again in 5787. Special High Holy Day pricing available for all!

🗓️ Reserve your immersion now: aju.edu/maas-center/program/community-mikvah/
📧 Email us at [email protected] if you have questions or don’t see a time that works for you

💙 Come immerse. Mark the moment. Welcome what comes next.

08/13/2026

Jews don't just arrive at the New Year. We need an on-ramp.
That's Elul.

For an entire month before Rosh Hashanah, the shofar sounds each day as a reminder: Wake up. Pay attention. Something important is coming.

There are apologies to make. Relationships to repair. Things to let go of. Parts of ourselves we want to work on.

We all want the sweetest year ahead. But first, we have to get ready for it.

That's Elul.

08/12/2026

When Vanessa Bloom enrolled in AJU’s Miller Intro to Judaism course in fall 2024, she wasn’t searching for something new so much as giving structure to something she had been carrying her whole life.

Bloom, 27, grew up in Orange County, California, in a largely secular household. Her mother is Jewish; her father comes from a German Catholic background. Born in southern China and adopted at seven months old, Bloom was raised with Jewish holidays and rituals—but without formal Jewish education. As an adult, that gap began to matter...

Continue reading Vanessa's story on AJU's Newsroom:

“It reminded me that Jewish learning isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about finding yourself within the tradition.”…

08/05/2026

AJU is grateful to Mount Sinai Memorial Parks and Mortuaries for their generous grant in support of the Miller Intro to Judaism program.

Their partnership helps empower our Intro students as they explore Jewish life, ritual, and community. We're building a vibrant Jewish future, one impactful journey at a time. 💙

07/30/2026

Welcome to the Tribe, Ashley Jackson! ✡️

Ashley L. Jackson, writer, producer, nonprofit leader, and daughter of the late Rev. Jesse Jackson, recently shared the story of her conversion to Judaism in Los Angeles after a years-long spiritual journey.

Read her powerful story below:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2026/07/24/jesse-jackson-was-my-father-he-blessed-my-embrace-judaism/

As a Black and Jewish woman, I claim a twin inheritance.

07/28/2026

SHIR AND DANIEL: A TU B’AV LOVE STORY

After commemorating the destruction of the First and Second Temples on Tisha B’Av - the 9th of Av, the Jewish calendar gives us Tu B’Av, a holiday celebrating love, joy, connection, and new beginnings!

In honor of Tu B’Av, read a love story below from one of our Miller Introduction to Judaism students and see how Judaism became part of their journey together...

After October 7th, Shir and Daniel found themselves pouring their hearts into hasbara (pro-Israel public relations efforts) on social media, using their voices to stand up for Israel and the Jewish people during one of the most painful and challenging periods in recent history. At the time, Shir was living in Arizona and Daniel was in San Francisco. Through their advocacy, they began coming across each other's posts, connecting through shared thoughts, personal stories, and a deep sense of responsibility to the Jewish people. What began as admiration for each other's courage and conviction slowly turned into a connection neither expected.

Continue reading their story below:
https://emma-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/959fb/45ce7bb629528f9a35805876cb867dae/Shir_and_Daniel_A_Tu_B_Av_Love_Story.pdf

07/22/2026

Who will we become as we rebuild?

Tisha B’Av, the day commemorating the destruction of the 1st and 2nd Temples, starts tomorrow, July 22, 2026, at sundown.

Most of us know what it feels like to stand amid the ruins of something we once loved. Loss is part of every human story. Tisha B’Av reminds us that we cannot simply act as though nothing happened. We must be honest about what was broken, ask difficult questions, and begin the work of redemption and rebuilding from there.