News Highlights Commencement Honorees Represent Hebrew College Values in the Public Square
Hebrew College is proud to celebrate an inspiring group of graduates and ordainees who embody our community’s commitment to learning, justice, and Jewish values at our 5785/2025 Commencement. Joining them are this year’s honorary degree recipients and special awardees, who we will recognize for their profound contributions to Jewish life and culture, and the cause of human rights and social justice.
Rabbi David Saperstein, who will receive an honorary doctorate, has dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice, religious liberty, and interfaith cooperation. A pioneering rabbi, lawyer, and diplomat, he made history as the first rabbi to serve as a U.S. Ambassador, guiding international religious freedom efforts during the Obama administration. For four decades, Rabbi Saperstein led the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, championing civil rights, environmental protection, and social justice on behalf of the Reform Movement. Additionally, he taught First Amendment law and Jewish law at Georgetown University Law Center for over 35 years. Rabbi Saperstein’s commitment to ethical leadership continues through his work with numerous global interfaith initiatives, including the World Faiths Development Dialogue and the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Faith and Action.
Bishop Mariann Budde will also receive an honorary doctorate for her bold and compassionate leadership as the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington. The first woman elected to this position, Bishop Budde oversees nearly 100 congregations and schools, including the historic Washington National Cathedral. A powerful preacher and advocate, Bishop Budde is committed to justice, equity, and the dignity of every human being. From addressing gun violence to championing LGBTQ+ inclusion and environmental stewardship, Bishop Budde works to make the values of her faith manifest in the world. She is the author of several books, most recently How We Learn to Be Brave, and her leadership continues to resonate for its religious and civic message.
Idit Klein, recipient of the Benjamin Shevach Award for Excellence in Jewish Educational Leadership, has transformed the Jewish landscape through her leadership of Keshet, the national organization for LGBTQ+ equality in Jewish life. Since 2001, she has grown Keshet into a powerful force for inclusion, building community for queer Jewish youth, producing groundbreaking media, and training Jewish leaders to integrate LGBTQ+ justice into their core values. Klein’s advocacy spans decades and continents—from the Israeli peace movement to American social justice organizing. A proud Bostonian, she continues to shape a more just, inclusive Jewish future while mentoring new generations of leaders.
Author Maya Arad will receive the Hillsen/Bronstein Award for Excellence in the Promotion of Hebrew Language and Literature. A resounding voice in modern Hebrew literature, Arad is widely considered the writer laureate of the Israeli expatriate community. With twelve acclaimed books and a doctorate in linguistics from the University of London, she is both a storyteller and a scholar. Now Writer in Residence at Stanford University, Arad bridges Hebrew literature and global readership. Her first work to be published in English, The Hebrew Teacher, translated by Jessica Cohen, recently won the 2025 National Jewish Book Award for Hebrew Fiction in Translation. Another translation, Happy New Years, is forthcoming this year, as Arad continues to share the richness and complexity of contemporary Israeli life with new audiences.
Hebrew College is proud to honor these outstanding individuals for their visionary leadership, lifelong dedication to justice and education, and transformative contributions to Jewish life. Join us in celebrating them at our 2025 Commencement ceremony.
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