The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

MA in Jewish Studies

In the M.A. in Jewish Studies program, you can take courses in textual studies, history, philosophy, languages, and culture, as well as participate in on-site study tours in Jerusalem. Courses that deal with the Ancient, Medieval, and Modern periods are available, which allows you to expand your understanding of the interplay between the three monotheistic religions.

Structure

The M.A. in Jewish Studies program consists of required and elective courses taken over four semesters (autumn & spring) during two academic years. While you will take courses from all time periods, you are required to specialize in one period.

Elective course offerings include cross-listed courses taught in English at the various departments of the Faculty of Humanities.

Credits

The M.A. in Jewish Studies consists of 36 credits over four semesters (autumn and spring semesters over two academic years).

Courses

Provided as an example only and subject to change:

Required Course

• Approaching Classical Jewish Texts: Ancient until Modern Times

Recent Elective Courses

• Rabbis and Rivalry: Babylonia and the Land of Israel in Late Antiquity
• Jerusalem in History, Art, and Literature: Between Imagination and Reality
• The Battle over the Bible: The Bible in the Eyes of Jews, Christians, and Muslims
• Kabbalah: The Renaissance of Myth and Mysticism in Medieval Jewish Thought
• The Philosophy of Maimonides and His World
• When West Met East: The Orient in Modern Jewish Culture
• Understanding Holocaust Survivor Testimony: History and Memory

Modern Hebrew Requirement

You are required to pass Level Gimel (fourth level) to complete the degree. Each level can be completed in one semester or in one session of Summer Ulpan, with the exception of Level Aleph (first level). For some students, level Aleph requires two semesters to complete, depending on their level.

Modern Hebrew courses taken to fulfill the requirement do not count as credit towards the degree.

While it is not required, we strongly encourage you to attend the Summer Ulpan(intensive Hebrew language training) prior to the start of the program as it allows students to advance quickly through Modern Hebrew. This is particularly true for those who have little or no knowledge of Modern Hebrew.

You are strongly encouraged to obtain at least Level Gimel in Hebrew by the end of your first year of studies so that you have the ability to read Jewish texts in Hebrew and join graduate-level courses taught in Hebrew in the Faculty of Humanities.

Study tours: Tour-based courses are offered in the field of biblical archaeology. Other courses include tours of museums in Jerusalem.

Additional Language Courses

You also have the option to study an additional language in place of some of the elective courses above (consult with your academic advisor).

Languages Offered:

• Modern Hebrew
• Biblical Hebrew
• Akkadian
• Literary Arabic

Seminar Papers

At least two of the papers you submit will be counted as seminar papers. Seminar papers are required for the degree but do not count towards the credit requirements.

Thesis

As a student in the M.A. in Jewish Studies, you are not required to write a thesis.

Graduates of the M.A. in Jewish Studies program are well-positioned for careers in academia or religious leadership.