New York, NY – Union Theological Seminary is pleased to announce the appointment of Rabbi Mike Moskowitz as Director of Scholarship and Multi-Faith Engagement for The Beacon, a project of Union Theological Seminary dedicated to building compassionate, community-rooted, justice-centered learning spaces.
Rabbi Moskowitz is a widely respected scholar, writer, and teacher whose work sits at the intersection of faith, activism, and spiritual care. Known internationally for his teachings on activism as a sacred practice, he brings a deep background in Jewish learning, LGBTQ+ allyship, and social justice leadership to his new role.
“Rabbi Moskowitz embodies a rare blend of rigorous scholarship and profound moral courage,” said Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum, Director of The Beacon. “His presence and leadership will expand our capacity to engage faith traditions as sources of resilience, hope, and collective action in challenging times.”
In his role, Rabbi Moskowitz will facilitate dynamic text studies, create new learning platforms, and convene multi-faith conversations exploring how diverse traditions respond to adversity and cultivate spiritual courage.
Rabbi Moskowitz teaches and speaks widely across the U.S. and internationally. His voice has become a trusted resource for communities seeking pathways to repair, healing, and justice. His books include Textual Activism, Graceful Masculinity, Seasonal Resistance, and Ancestral Allyship. He is also the co-editor of Chaver Up! with Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum.
“Union’s commitment to justice is rooted in ancient wisdom and lived practice,” said Rabbi Moskowitz. “I am honored to help cultivate spaces where our traditions guide us toward deeper compassion, bold imagination, and collective liberation.”
To inquire about bringing Rabbi Moskowitz to speak or teach in your community, contact: [email protected]
Current learning opportunities with Rabbi Moskowitz include:
Bible Study: Kindness in the Face of Adversity
Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m., Oct. 21–Dec. 16
A weekly exploration of how micro-affections and small acts of kindness can sustain courage and create change. Open to all levels of experience. Includes source sheets, written summaries, and class recordings.
Maimonides: Workers’ Rights
Monday–Thursday at 9:15 a.m., Sept. 3–Dec. 18
A close study of the Laws of Hiring (Rambam, c. 1176–1178 CE), examining how faith-based ethics affirm the dignity of labor and inform contemporary struggles for workplace justice.
Talmud Study: The Last Gate
Tuesdays, 3:00–4:00 p.m., Sept. 9–Dec. 16
An interactive study of the First Chapter of Bava Batra, engaging questions of communal responsibility, shared space, property, and human behavior. Recorded sessions available.
More information on Rabbi Moskowitz’s classes can be found at tinyurl.com/lessons4ourtime
Learn more about The Beacon and Union Theological Seminary at: utsnyc.edu/the-beacon
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About Union Theological Seminary
Union Theological Seminary (UTS), founded in 1836 in New York City, is a globally recognized seminary and graduate school of theology where religion and scholarship meet to reimagine the work of justice. A beacon for social justice and progressive change, Union Theological Seminary is led by a diverse group of theologians and activist leaders. Drawing on both Christian traditions and the insights of other religions, the institution is focused on educating leaders who can address critical issues like racial equity, criminal justice reform, income inequality, and protecting the environment. Union is led by Rev. Dr. Serene Jones, the 16th President and the first woman to head the 189-year-old seminary.
About The Beacon
The Beacon (beaconfordemocracy.org) is a project dedicated to combating authoritarianism through community organizing and acts of public solidarity. Founded by Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum, Senior Rabbi Emerita of Congregation Beit Simchat Torah in New York City, The Beacon helps people connect across faiths and backgrounds to stand up for democracy and human rights. Through its signature “Thursdays at 7, Shine The Light” campaign, The Beacon invites people to gather weekly in their neighborhoods to make their voices heard and build community resistance. Rabbi Kleinbaum has dedicated her life to promoting social justice, LGBTQ+ and human rights, and progressive values within Judaism. She was named one of the BBC’s 100 Women of 2024 and one of Newsweek’s 50 most influential rabbis in America.