As Hebrew College nears its 100th year, it looks ahead to continuing to create opportunities for innovation marking the beginning of another century of excellence in Jewish learning and leadership. In another transformative transaction in the College’s distinguished history, the Hebrew College Board of Trustees yesterday finalized an agreement to sell the College’s Newton Centre campus. The agreement allows Hebrew College to remain in its current location for several years under favorable terms. “Hebrew College is uniquely positioned as a leader in pluralistic Jewish education, and we are committed to meeting our learning community’s evolving needs with responsibility and creativity,” said Hebrew College President Rabbi Sharon Cohen Anisfeld. “This transaction lays a strong foundation for future growth, and we are tremendously excited for the opportunities that lie ahead.”

Andy Offit, chair of the Hebrew College Board of Trustees, commented: “In addition to reducing operating costs, this transaction will allow Hebrew College to be debt-free for the first time since the move to this campus more than 17 years ago. This will afford us the ability to rededicate precious resources to expanding our educational programs and investing in the people who truly make Hebrew College what it is.”

The recent sale and relocation of Andover Newton Theological School played a role in the decision. Its presence and partnership with Hebrew College was one of the strong attractions to our current campus. This next phase presents new opportunities for the College to build and strengthen partnerships with other institutions. Additionally, changing demographic trends and communal priorities require Hebrew College to be accessible to a more geographically diverse student body, and to increase engagement with Greater Boston’s vibrant Jewish community.

The sale will allow for greater investment in critical areas that advance the College’s mission even further. Notably, the college will be debt-free upon completion of the transaction, providing an opportunity for investing in people and programs, rather than in real estate.

Hebrew College has made great strides in realizing its mission of promoting excellence in Jewish learning and leadership, achieving record enrollment levels in recent years across multiple programs. The College’s impact is profound at both the local and national levels, and this transaction serves to further its reach. “This is an important step in assuring the fiscal stability of Hebrew College as a vibrant partner in supporting the Jewish future of our community,” said Rabbi Marc Baker, president and CEO of CJP. “The resources gained through the sale will help support our collective pursuit of a highly engaged and educated Jewish community.”

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