Admissions Requirements
Rabbinical School
Please contact Rabbi Daniel Klein, director of admissions for the Rabbinical School,
if you’d like to discuss the possibility of an extended deadline. We are able to
make accommodations on an individual basis, though financial-
The first step of the application process is to assess whether the Rabbinical School of Hebrew College is the right place for you. We highly recommend you be in touch with our director of admissions, Rabbi Daniel Klein, to begin this process and come to campus for a visit.
Once you have decided to apply, you will need to complete an application by Jan. 1. A full application includes the following:
- Application form
- Personal history form
- Two essays
- Hebrew assessment test. For more information on Hebrew assessment, click here.
- Transcripts of undergraduate and graduate study
- Three or four letters of recommendation. For more information about references, click here.
- Nonrefundable application fee of $60
If, after reviewing your application, we determine that you could be a good fit for Hebrew College, we will invite you to campus for an interview. During your visit, you will interview with a committee of faculty and alumni. You will also take the following assessments:
- A second, more detailed Hebrew assessment test (if you have not done so already)
- A Jewish knowledge proficiency exam
- A psychological test, including both a written component and a meeting with a psychiatrist here on campus
Interviews take place from mid-
To request an application, please contact Rabbi Daniel Klein, director of admissions
for the Rabbinical School at (617) 559-
We strive to consider our applicants as holistically as possible. Recommendations are a crucial part of this process. We want to hear from individuals who know you well and who can offer a view into your academic qualifications, intellectual capacities, personal qualities, Jewish background and/or spiritual journey.
Please include at least one reference from a rabbi and one from an academic source.
Your responses to the application essay questions allow us to get to know you as an individual, a student, a Jew and a future rabbi. In addition, these essays give you an opportunity to articulate your views on a variety of topics in a relaxed manner. We want you to be yourself and honest in your essays.
You will need to answer a through c in Part I and question a or b in Part II.
Part I. Take a total of seven to 10 pages for questions a, b and c:
a. Why have you chosen to apply to become a rabbi? Discuss your intellectual, personal and spiritual development as well as life experiences, specific events and significant relationships that have led you to make this decision. Please include in this personal statement reflections on the following:
1. Your conception of and relationship with God
2. The evolution of your current Jewish practice
3. Your relationship to the Jewish people and Jewish history, including your relationship with Israel
b. What do you find most compelling and most challenging about training for the rabbinate in a pluralistic context?
c. As you imagine yourself both in rabbinical school and as a future rabbi, what are the strengths, weaknesses and fears that you bring with you?
Part II. Answer one of the following questions in five to seven pages:
a. Reflect on a Torah passage that you have found meaningful or challenging. You may include classical and contemporary commentaries that have been helpful to you in understanding the text.
b. Write a critical review of a book of Jewish or spiritual significance that you have read over the past year. What was significant about this book? Why would you recommend or not recommend it to another reader?
Jewish Knowledge Proficiency Exam
All applicants are required to take a proficiency examination to assess their level of Jewish knowledge. To be admitted to the rabbinical school, you must have at least a basic knowledge of Jewish ritual, history and tradition. The extent of your Jewish knowledge will also influence whether you begin rabbinical school in Mekorot, the preparatory year program, or Shanah Aleph (Year 1).
To request an application, please contact Rabbi Daniel Klein, director of admissions
for the Rabbinical School at (617) 559-
Hebrew College 160 Herrick Road Newton Centre, MA 02459
617-
Rabbinical School Blog
Request Information
Online InfoSession
Apply Now
|
Jan. 1 |
Priority application due date |
|
Mid- |
Interview dates |
|
Feb. 15 |
Financial aid application (including 2011 taxes) & FAFSA due date |
|
March 15 |
Admission decisions |
|
April 15 |
Financial aid award date |
|
May 1 |
Accepted student response due date |
