Rabbinical and Talmudic Studies

Overview

Programs in rabbinical and Talmudic studies include topics such as:

• Jewish law, philosophy, and ethics
• Sacred Jewish literature
• Pastoral counseling
• Jewish education

Schools

Community colleges and other two-year schools offer associate degree programs in rabbinical and Talmudic studies. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete. After earning an associate degree students can transfer to a college or university for further study.

Many colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in rabbinical and Talmudic studies. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.

A few universities offer graduate degrees in rabbinical and Talmudic studies. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

• Hebrew Language and Literature
• History
• Holocaust and Genocide Studies
• Jewish Studies
• Philosophy
• Religious Education
• Religious Studies
• Theology and Pre-Theology

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

• Clergy
• University and College Teachers

Program Admission

You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

To enter a traditional yeshiva, you don't need education beyond high school. However, you should have a good background in Biblical Hebrew and Torah study. You should have studied Rashi's commentaries. It helps to have attended a Jewish day school.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

• Community Service
• English Composition
• Public Speaking
• Second Language
• World History

Graduate Admissions

Admission to seminary may be competitive. You need a bachelor's degree and good grades. Your bachelor's degree may in any field, but a major in Jewish studies is useful preparation. If your undergraduate major was in some other field, you should complete several courses in Hebrew. You should have a record of involvement and leadership in the Jewish community.

Additional requirements often include the following:

• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General
• Letters of recommendation
• Interview

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

A rabbinical studies program leading to ordination typically includes courses in the following subjects:

• Biblical Historical Narratives
• Community Leadership
• Foundations of Jewish Education
• Hebrew Language and Literature
• Homiletics
• Jewish Legal Codes
• Liturgy
• Medieval Jewish Philosophy
• Midrash
• Modern Jewish Thought
• Prophets
• Rabbinic Literature
• Reading Torah, Haftarah, and Megillot
• Supervised Fieldwork or Internship
• Talmud
• Torah Narratives

Preparation for the rabbinate often includes supervised work in settings such as these:

• Student pulpit at a small congregation
• Hospital chaplaincy
• Religious education at a congregation's Hebrew school
• B'nai mitzvah tutoring
• Communal service through a local Jewish agency or international organization
• Youth group advising
• Summer camp work

Things to Know

Many rabbinical studies programs require you to study in Israel for a year to improve Hebrew language skills. Whether or not your program includes time in Israel, you need to be proficient in Biblical Hebrew. You may study Mishnaic Hebrew and Aramaic in order to read the classic texts.

Schools

No information available.