James Rudin

Rabbi James Rudin is a trailblazer in interfaith dialogue, a decorated religious leader, and a fearless advocate for understanding across cultural and spiritual divides. Born in Pittsburgh and raised in the charged political atmosphere of Alexandria, Virginia, he honed his intellect and competitive spirit at Wesleyan and George Washington University, where he graduated with academic distinction while making his mark on the wrestling mat, the track field, and in student government.

Ordained by the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, Rabbi Rudin pursued truth and history through graduate studies at the University of Illinois. His contributions to faith and scholarship have earned him honorary doctorates from Saint Leo University, Saint Martin’s University, and his rabbinical alma mater.

In 2022, his extraordinary efforts were recognized globally when Pope Francis named him a Papal Knight of Saint Gregory—a rare honor for a Jewish leader and a testament to his groundbreaking work in building bridges between faiths.

For over three decades, Rabbi Rudin served as the American Jewish Committee’s Interreligious Affairs Director, where he redefined what it meant to engage in religious diplomacy. Today, he remains a vital force as AJC’s Senior Interreligious Adviser and a member of its Board of Governors.

An influential voice in the classroom and synagogue, Rabbi Rudin is the Distinguished Visiting Professor of Religion and Judaica at Saint Leo University and has taught at Florida Gulf Coast University’s Renaissance Academy.

His spiritual leadership has taken him from Kansas City and Champaign-Urbana pulpits to the front lines as a U.S. Air Force Chaplain stationed in Japan and Korea, proving his commitment to service knows no borders.