NYC Gazette

Rabbi Michael S. Berger, Ph.D., a long-time member of Emory University’s Department of Religion with decades of experience in Jewish K-12 education, will assume the role of Dean at the Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration in October. He succeeds Dr. Rona Novick, who is retiring after many years of transformative leadership.

This transition occurs at a significant moment for Jewish identity's future. As a leading institution in the United States for training Jewish educators, Azrieli plays an essential role in shaping Jewish educational leadership and ensuring the vitality and strength of future generations.

“Dr. Berger brings with him a wealth of experience, deep knowledge of Jewish education, and a clear vision for the future,” said Dr. Selma Botman, Yeshiva University’s Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. “His leadership will be invaluable as we continue to build the next generation of Jewish educators, and his passion and expertise will undoubtedly guide Azrieli to new heights.”

For Rabbi Dr. Michael S. Berger, this role is a true calling. “There is no career more impactful or of greater urgency to our community right now than passionate and effective limudei kodesh teaching,” he stated. "I want to introduce this amazing career to a wider range of students and inspire our best and brightest to consider teaching as both incredibly important and fulfilling."

Dr. Berger was inspired by his Rosh Yeshiva, Rav Aharon Lichtenstein zt”l, who emphasized that widespread ignorance of Torah and Judaism was a national crisis—a call Berger first heard in 1981 at age 18. “When this opportunity came along, I heard Rav Aharon whispering in my ear, ‘ichpat o lo ichpat?’ ‘Do you care or does it not matter?’ I just had to answer yes.”

Holding advanced degrees in Philosophy of Religion from Princeton University and Columbia University, Dr. Berger is a scholar whose expertise spans Jewish law, ethics, and contemporary Jewish identity formation. His experience includes roles as professor, day school coach and board consultant, headmaster of a Modern Orthodox high school in Atlanta, and program officer at the AVI CHAI Foundation.

"Leading a school of education is not only about making sure the degrees and courses it offers are top-notch," he said. "It's a chance to chart a course for the field of Orthodox Jewish education."

Beyond academics, Dr. Berger envisions Azrieli playing an expanded role within the "ecosystem" of Jewish life by collaborating with synagogues, youth groups, and summer camps.

“Day schools are part of a larger network that fosters lifelong commitment to Jewish identity,” he explained.

Dr. Berger sees Azrieli as vital alongside YU’s Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS) in ensuring Judaism's future—while RIETS shapes rabbinic leaders; Azrieli cultivates educators who guide and inspire.

He quoted Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks: “To defend a country you need an army; but to defend civilization you need schools.”

The urgency today stems partly from declining religious commitment across all groups in American society where about one-quarter under 39 identify as "none" regarding religious beliefs.

“We can’t allow ourselves to be reduced to ‘You have your narrative; I have mine,’” Dr.Berger said.“Our position must be rooted in facts infused with passion instilled with personal commitment connection shared values history destiny great teachers great schools make big difference It matters.”