Jewish Studies
Jewish Education
Rabbinic Ordination
Cantor-Educator Program
Mekorot
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2007–2008 Courses of Instruction [PDF - 600k]
Founded in 1921, Hebrew College maintains a historical commitment to Jewish learning and scholarship within a transdenominational, nonsectarian academic environment. The College's academic
degree and certificate programs provide students with a solid grounding in Judaica and the tools to apply that knowledge toward a career in the Jewish professions or advanced scholarship. Responding to and anticipating local and national trends, Hebrew College continuously develops new academic programs to help meet the growing demand for Jewish educators and other professionals, as well as new means to make advanced Jewish studies available to a wider audience via the Internet.
All degree programs place a strong emphasis on text study and Hebrew literacy. You may study on a full- or part-time basis, year-round. Select classes are offered during the evening to accommodate students' busy work schedules. During
Summer Institutes, you can immerse yourself in intensive courses that offer a semester's worth of academic credit in a few weeks.
JEWISH STUDIES
The 50-credit
Master of Arts in Jewish Studies (MAJS) is designed to prepare you for a career in Jewish academic scholarship, to build a foundation for rabbinic or cantorial study, or to enrich personal knowledge of Judaism. It combines in-depth study of Jewish texts in their original languages with a thorough grounding in academic approaches to Jewish history and culture.
Qualified students may earn exemption from up to 14 credits.
Three required Framework courses cover a broad spectrum of Jewish history and culture, focusing on content as well as methods of study (for list, see
Fall Semester Courses and
Spring Semester Courses). You may take these introductory courses in any order. Students may earn exemption by exam from two of the three Framework courses. Gateway courses introduce the classical texts of the Jewish tradition in the original Hebrew—you must have completed
Hebrew VI or its equivalent to enroll. Students are also required to take advanced Core Text courses and to enroll in a noncredit workshop focusing on library and research skills.
During this course of study, you will gain a broad knowledge of Judaica, gain competency in reading classical Hebrew text and develop a specialization in an area of interest: Bible; Rabbinic Literature; Exegesis; Hebrew Literature; Jewish Philosophy, Mysticism and/or Hasidut; Jewish History and Society; or Liturgy. Before enrolling in the
Graduate Research Seminar in the semester prior to graduation, students must demonstrate proficiency in their area of concentration.
You may pursue this degree in a traditional classroom setting at Hebrew College or wherever you connect to the Internet via Hebrew College Online. The
Online MAJS covers the same curricula as the in-class degree program. The program, which can be completed in three years, combines online courses, independent study and two one-week summer seminars at Hebrew College.
Designed specifically for highly motivated adult learners seeking an academic challenge, the
Master of Jewish Liberal Studies (MJLS) degree program incorporates many of the Me’ah Graduate Institute's courses into a comprehensive, integrated curriculum that addresses the particular interests of the adult learner—creating an opportunity to understand how Jewish texts and tradition relate to one’s personal Jewish journey. Courses are offered at times that accommodate busy schedules and are taught by scholars who are experienced teachers of adult learners.
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JEWISH EDUCATION
Preparing students for an extensive array of specializations within the field of Jewish education, the
Shoolman Graduate School of Jewish Education is guided by the premise that Jewish educators must also be Jewish scholars. Whether you focus on becoming an educator or administrator in a day school or congregational setting, working with preschoolers or as a family educator, helping students with special needs, directing a Jewish camp, leading youth groups or teaching adult learners, you will graduate from Hebrew College with a strong set of educational and leadership skills, as well as proficiency in Jewish knowledge and Hebrew language.
Through the Shoolman Graduate School, Hebrew College offers a 47-credit
Master of Jewish Education (MJEd), the key professional credential in this field. The program combines educational theory and practice with advanced Jewish studies, emphasizing original sources and Hebrew language. Graduates are Jewish educators and scholars with an enduring capacity to serve as teachers and leaders in diverse settings.
Qualified students may earn exemption from up to 18 credits.
Degree and certificate programs at the Shoolman Graduate School of Jewish Education are geared both toward newcomers to Jewish education and experienced educators seeking to advance professionally. Part-time study options are available.
Completed in two years of full-time study, the program balances core courses in curriculum design, supervision, current teaching methodologies and a supervised internship with independent research and the intensive study of Jewish texts. Specializations within the MJEd program include adult education, day school education, early childhood education, family education, informal education (including camp and youth leadership) and special education. Two-year certificate programs are offered in several of these areas.
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RABBINIC ORDINATION
Hebrew College's transdenominational
Rabbinical School trains leaders for the Jewish community with a passion for Jewish literacy and living. Our students embrace the full range of diversity of the Jewish people, creating a community that delights in varieties of Jewish self-expression. Here you will be immersed in the religious, ethical and intellectual pursuit of Jewish knowledge, sharing and debating your views with students and teachers of divergent beliefs.
An innovative five-year curriculum (six years with
mekhinah, or preparatory year) integrates the study of primary texts with themes of Jewish living and daily rabbinic practice. Through formal academic study, supervised
hevruta learning, communal worship, social action and celebration, you will help to build a community committed to Jewish living with respect for the many interpretations of tradition, a deep love of Judaism, a strong connection to Israel and vibrant optimism for the future of the Jewish people.
Students in the Rabbinical School earn a Master of Arts in Jewish Studies with a concentration in Rabbinics in conjunction with Rabbinic Ordination.
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CANTOR-EDUCATOR PROGRAM
The
Cantor-Educator (Hazzan-Mechanech) program trains individuals for careers in synagogue leadership, Jewish education and Jewish music. Through this five-year, full-time course of study (with some options for intensive part-time study), you will earn a Master of Jewish Education while fulfilling the requirements of Cantorial Ordination within a transdenominational setting. Approximately 40 percent of coursework will focus on Jewish education and Jewish studies, and 60 percent will focus on Jewish music and cantorial and professional studies. The equivalent of
Hebrew IV and one year of college music theory are required for entry to the program. During their course of study, students must complete
Hebrew VI, and it is anticipated that many will complete
Hebrew VIII. Interested candidates must complete all MJEd admissions requirements in addition to a vocal audition, placement examinations and a personal interview.
MEKOROT
The Mekorot program offers a one-year, intensive immersion in Hebrew language and classical Jewish texts within a supportive learning community. This full-time program is open to newly admitted students in the MJEd, MAJS and CEP programs, and the Rabbinical School, as well as to qualified, non-matriculated college graduates who are looking for an intensive year of Jewish learning prior to pursuing their professional objectives. Applicants must have an intermediate knowledge of Hebrew (the equivalent of two years of college Hebrew).
During the Mekorot year, students engage in concentrated study of biblical, rabbinical and modern Hebrew language. They also gain a strong foundation in classical Jewish sources, including Bible, Mishnah, Talmud, midrashic literature and the traditional prayer book. Formal classwork is supplemented by supervised
hevruta (partner) study in the Hebrew College Bet Midrash. All learning takes place within an inclusive transdenominational community that enables students to explore their personal relationship to Jewish life and practice through rhythms of the Jewish year.
Mekorot students who are matriculated in master’s degree programs or the Rabbinical School may participate in professional courses and activities related to their programs, if applicable. Many of the courses in the Mekorot year are credited toward their academic requirements. Academic studies are complemented by Jewish career counseling and advisement. Upon successful completion of the Mekorot program, students earn a certificate in Jewish studies.
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________________________________________________
President
David M. Gordis, PhD
Academic Officers
Barry Mesch, PhD
Provost
Arthur Green, PhD
Rector, Rabbinical School
Avi Bernstein-Nahar, PhD
Dean of Educational Planning and Development, CAJL
Nathan Ehrlich, MA
Dean, Hebrew College Online
Ina S. G. Regosin, MS
Dean of Students
Scott M. Sokol, PhD
Dean, Jewish Music Institute
Director, Cantor-Educator program
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Hebrew College is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education. Additional information regarding this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 2650 Apalachee Parkway, Suite A, Tallahassee, FL 32301, or call 1-888-224-6684.
Hebrew College does not discriminate in admission or any matter in regard to age, sex, religion, handicap, race, color or national origin.
Hebrew College maintains cross-registration agreements with many colleges and universities in the Boston area, including Andover Newton Theological School, Boston College, Boston University, Brandeis University, Northeastern University, Simmons College and the University of Massachusetts Boston.
The provisions of the Hebrew College catalog are to be considered directive in character and not as an irrevocable contract between the student and the College. The College reserves the right to make changes that seem necessary or desirable, including course and program cancellations and changes to schedule.
Students are bound by the College graduation and general education requirements that are stated in the catalog that is in effect when they matriculate; however, sometimes major requirements change partway through a student's matriculation. In that case, students are allowed to choose which of the two sets of major requirements they will follow (in consultation with the appropriate department).
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