About Hebrew, Rabbinical and Talmudic Colleges and Universities

The strength of a nation depends largely on the strength of its people's education. The United States is a nation of diverse people with diverse cultural and religious backgrounds, but education is a common thread that brings communities together: whether it's individuals within a community or different communities that are given the opportunity to interact in intellectual pursuits. One sector of education in the US that does this is that of the Hebrew, Rabbinical and Talmudic colleges and universities. Included in this category are universities, Talmudic seminaries and Rabbinical colleges, all of which are committed to the growth of Jewish civilization, Jewish learning, culture, ethics and leadership. What can these schools offer you? Read on to find out.

Definition
There more than 60 accredited Hebrew, Rabbinical and Talmudic universities and colleges in the US, and these consist of two main types: large universities that offer academic degrees and smaller Rabbinical and Talmudic colleges or seminaries. Rabbinical and Talmudic colleges or seminaries are generally private not-for-profit, 4- or 5-year institutions offering professional degree programs (e.g. First Rabbinic and First Talmudic degrees) that prepare individuals for ordination as Rabbis. These programs include instruction in the Bible and Talmud, liturgy and rituals, Jewish ethics, Jewish education, pastoral counseling and homiletics. Tuition is usually between $4,500 to $2,000, and some Rabbinical schools may require applicants to hold a prior degree.

The Jewish universities are also private, and operate much like any other American universities: they conduct academic and scientific research, issue publications, and offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in arts, sciences and business. They are considered in the university rankings just like all other faith-affiliated and secular universities and colleges. Tuition at these universities is around $25,000.

Demographics
Who you'll find next to you in class largely depends on the kind of institution you're attending. Some of the yeshivas are men-only, with admission restricted to Jews seeking ordination. Some of these schools enroll fewer than 100 students. The large universities, on the other hand, enroll almost 7,000 students (with 3,000 undergrads) and may have separate Colleges for men and women, or be open to all. Admission to most programs is open to Jews and non-Jews, the observant and the secular, men and women. These larger institutions serve a diverse community and strive to foster understanding between Jews and people of all faiths. The majority of Hebrew, Rabbinical and Talmudic schools are in New York, but can also be found across the country including California, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Florida, Connecticut, New Jersey, Illinois, Maryland and Ohio.

Delivery
What's the curriculum like at the Hebrew, Rabbinic and Talmudic schools? Again, it depends on the kind of institution it is. At the smaller yeshivas, you can find traditional rabbinical yeshivas, as well as ones that blend the conservative and contemporary. Generally study takes 5 years and includes classical Jewish studies and an intensive program of professional development. Students may have the option of specializing in areas such as Rabbinics (Talmud, Midrash, or Codes), Mysticism (Kabbalah or Hassidut), or Theology/Philosophy, and courses may also cover pastoral psychology, literature, history, philosophy, sociology, pedagogy, professional skills, and field experience through supervised internships. Some schools require spending a year in Israel.

Universities offer a range of programs leading to a Bachelor of Arts. These programs generally combine liberal arts and sciences or pre-professional studies with the study of Torah and Jewish heritage; possible majors include journalism, political science, bioethics, psychology, business, liberal studies, Jewish studies, communication arts and more. The goal is to provide a solid education relevant to life and work in a globalized world, but also to teach students about the history, philosophy, ethics, traditions, culture and purposes of the Jewish faith. An Associate of Arts degree in Hebrew language, literature, and culture may also be available. In addition, combined and joint degree programs are possible in several other disciplines--including engineering, dentistry, optometry, podiatry, Jewish studies, social work, nursing, physical therapy and occupational therapy.

Difference
Hebrew, Rabbinical and Talmudic colleges and universities are, in addition to their academic pursuits, highly committed to sponsoring service and outreach projects. They strive to be intellectual and inspirational, and are based on principles of community-building and leadership development. They offer studies from a particular world view and in a culturally-specific learning environment that secular schools just can't provide.

Deciding
So how will you decide? First you have to decide what you're interested in--in terms of both study and learning environment--then you have to find a school that offers it. Other factors such as scholarships, tuition costs and distance from home may also be factors. Schools in the USA's database of Hebrew, Rabbinical and Talmudic colleges and universities in the US can help get you started. So don't be shy! This is your education, so take the time to explore to help you get on the right path for your future!