Welcome to Hebrew Seminary

“At Hebrew Seminary, I was taught 'how to learn' from wise and wonderful teachers while I was supported and learned from my dear chevruta (study partner) and classmates. I learned how to access our beloved Rabbinic texts in order to learn from our sages over the centuries. It was a taste of the olam haba (the world to come).”

“Hebrew Seminary’s approach was truly a blessing to me, to begin to understand that there was no single monolithic way to be or to do Jewish, and what that might mean in my own life and personal practice.”

“The signing has inspired me to become the woman I am today. I chose Hebrew Seminary as my rabbinic school because I never have to worry about an interpreter, classes are modified based on one’s needs and it’s an all inclusive place regardless of what abilities you have.”

“One of the best things about Hebrew Seminary was that we didn’t just study mysticism; we practiced it. Rabbi Goldhamer had us doing meditations and healing prayer in class. Nothing beats that kind of real experience. There were other top notch teachers as well whose fantastic teachings and perspectives still inform me today.”

“My rabbinic cohort is comprised of Jews of Color, LGBTQ+ Jews, Deaf Jews, Jews in interfaith/multicultural relationships, people who’ve previously been told that we don’t belong in Jewish communities, let alone deserve to lead them. Instead of sticking to that narrative, Hebrew Seminary is empowering us to learn from our people’s past and create a more just and inclusive Jewish future.”

"I wanted a school that had an innate spiritual approach to Judaism, and I found it. The things I want to accomplish in the rabbinate require training through a diversity-centered lens; as soon as I was exposed to the pedagogy that allowed me to tap into the world of the mystic, ASL, and deaf culture and modern approaches to the trends of Jewish life, I knew that this school fit my niche interests. Hebrew Seminary has been the calm in my storm. I'm motivated by learning to be exactly who I am here and much more."

"As someone coming to the rabbinate as a second career, I really struggled to find a seminary that felt right. Hebrew Seminary’s student-centered approach, legacy of Deaf and disabled accessibility, and inclusive values have created an environment where I can learn effectively and develop the skills I will need to serve the Jewish people in a rapidly changing world. I love that my learning objectives and needs feel prioritized by the excellent faculty, without sacrificing career preparedness."

“I remember that morning of the interview. It’s etched in my memory. I also remember the Rosh Yeshivah of Hebrew Seminary asking me if I wanted to become a rabbi. I thought for a brief moment and closed my eyes only to see myself standing at Mt. Sinai. Then I answered, 'We were all standing on Mt. Sinai to receive the Torah.' Dr. Goldhamer would become my mentor and teacher, especially in mysticism and Kabbalah, my favorite subject, a subject I continue to study to this very day.”