Karaite Jewish
University (KJU) was founded in 2005. We hope to provide the Karaite
Community with an institution that can gain broad based acceptance amongst
all major Karaite organizations. Therefore, it is the stated policy of
KJU not to promote one particular form of Karaite Judaism over another.
In practice
Karaite Judaism is both a scholarly and a spiritual experience. It places
upon every Karaite the duty to "search the scripture well" in order to
find the most accurate understanding of the Bible and closest connection
to God. On occasion Karaites will differ, but these differences should be
a source of strength and celebration. Eventually further study generally
will provide a greater consensus as to the correct interpretation of the
Bible.
KJU's Articles
of Incorporation sets forth its status as a California non-profit
religious educational institution.
KJU will also
file an Application for Religious Exemption pursuant to CALIFORNIA
EDUCATION CODE §94739 (b)(6) seeking to issue the following religious
degrees:
* Introduction to Judaism Certificate
* Associate Degree of Karaite Religious Studies
* Bachelors of Karaite Religious Studies
* Bachelors of Comparative Religious Studies
* Bachelors of Modern Jewish History
* Bachelors of TaNaKh Studies
* Masters of Karaite Religious Studies
* Masters of Comparative Religion
* Doctorate of Karaite Philosophy
* Honorary Doctorate of Congregational Leadership
bestowing the Title of "Edah Nagid" Hakham/Hakhamah
* Honorary Doctorate of Karaite Scholarship bestowing
the Title of TaNaKh Hakham//Hakhamah
KJU will include a broad range of instructors who may well have differing
outlooks and views on particular topics. The University will present all
currently held views and will seek to avoid taking a position that favors
one movement's views over another's. Rather, it is our goal to have our
Introduction to Judaism Certificate be given the widest acceptance amongst
the Karaite community and to thereby prepare individuals for potential
conversion. It is also our hope to expand our program to include Adult
Education via video lecturers, assist Israeli's obtain leaping
conversions, and to develop a Board of Directors.
Today the
Karaite communities outside of Israel are sparsely populated with one
notable exception. In the Diaspora, there are currently no significant
institutions of Karaite education. There are no libraries focusing on the
rich traditions of Karaite Scholarship. The Karaite Jewish University
seeks to draw upon this disparate community for its support and to bring
the Truth of YHVH's word to our fellow Jews and Gentiles alike.
KJU
has not at this time sought accreditation from any secular institution and
has no immediate plans to do so.