The Division of Lifelong and Professional Studies (DLPS)
The Division of Lifelong and Professional Studies serves as the nexus of the institution’s new initiatives and programs, adult learning, and teen experiences.
What Do We Do?
- Drive Innovation in Education: We design cutting-edge, flexible, and accessible programs tailored to meet the evolving needs of learners and professionals.
- Expand Existing Programming: We create new pathways for engaging with JTS’s unparalleled education, bringing our world-renowned faculty and resources to both local and virtual audiences.
- Strengthen the Leadership Pipeline: We invest in the future of Jewish communal leadership by identifying passionate, curious learners and providing them with education, connection, inspiration, and mentorship.
- Prioritize Experiential Education: We are dedicated to offering hands-on educational programs and content that bridge theory with practice, helping students develop practical professional skills while cultivating a deeper understanding of their fields.
DLPS Centers and Programs
The Center for Lifelong Learning
JTS’s Lifelong Learning programs extend our sophisticated scholarship and meaningful insights beyond the classroom to Jewish learners around the world. We offer a wide variety of opportunities to learn with JTS scholars—from podcasts to online courses to events on campus and much more.
The Center for Pastoral Education
The Center combines theoretical learning with practical clinical training through two signature programs—a master of arts in Spiritual Care and Counseling as well as the Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program.
In the MFA, students experiment with different methods of storytelling while working towards the development, production, and completion of a substantial storytelling piece. This four-semester, two-year program combines in-person residencies at JTS with personalized study and mentorship with world-renowned storytellers.
Meet Our Team
Dr. Lisa Springer
Associate Provost for Continuing and Digital Learning and Dean of the Division of Lifelong and Professional Studies
Email: Lispringer@jtsa.edu
As Associate Provost for Continuing and Digital Learning and Dean of the Division of Lifelong and Professional Studies, Lisa leads strategic vision for the division.
Dr. Alisa Braun
Academic Director
Email: sabraun@jtsa.edu
Phone: 212-678-8819
Alisa is the division’s Academic Director. In this role, she develops courses of study for adult learners, manages the Biblical Hebrew, Context, and audit programs.
Aden Fischer-Brown
Director of Administration
Email: adfischerbrown@jtsa.edu
Phone: 212-678-8992
Aden is responsible for the DLPS’s day-to-day operations and helps oversee the launch of new degree-granting programs.
Marissa Aaronson
Director of Teen Education
Email: maaaronson@JTSA.edu
Phone: (212) 678-8938 | ext 8938
Marissa directs teen learning and programming at JTS. She is committed to creating an educational setting where teens can explore Jewish identity, what it means to be a Jewish high school student today, and other big questions in meaningful and joyful ways.
Ellie Gettinger
Director of Outreach
Email: elgettinger@jtsa.edu
Phone: 212-678-8908
Ellie organizes learning opportunities for the public such as seasonal webinar series, JTS podcasts, and the distribution of convening content.
Tani Schwartz-Herman
Program Director
Phone: 212-678-8916
Email: tanischwartz@jtsa.edu
Tani facilitates programs that strengthen the relationship between JTS and communities across North America. As program director, she manages the Student Ambassador Initiative and Rabbinic Training Institute. She also coordinates group visits to JTS and the JTS Scholars program.
Naomi Kalish, PHD, ACPE Certified Educator
Harold and Carole Wolfe Director of the Center for Pastoral Education
Email: infocpe@jtsa.edu
Rabbi Dr. Naomi Kalish has been the Director of the Center for Pastoral Education at JTS for over five years. She oversees the Clinical Pastoral Education program alongside the new masters of arts in Spiritual Care and Counseling.
