Academics
Introduction
Hebrew Seminary prepares Jewish leaders who can serve diverse communities of Jews, Jewish communities, multifaith communities, and seekers from all walks of life. To quote Hebrew Seminary’s Founder and Rosh Yeshiva of 30 years, Rabbi Dr. Douglas Goldhamer zikhrono livrakhah (זִכְרוֹנוֹ לִבְרָכָה, of blessed memory), “This is for everyone.” Hebrew Seminary seeks to bring the joy, wisdom, and warmth of Jewish life and tradition to corners of the world where the depths of Torah were once left unexplored. Hebrew Seminary prepares Jewish leaders to model and to actualize an accessible Judaism that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Two Programs
Hebrew Seminary hosts two academic programs, a Rabbinical School, and a Pararabbinic Program.
Hebrew Seminary’s Rabbinical School, which consists of approximately 4 years of full-time study (52 credits over 4 years), followed by the completion of an 8 credit approved Internship Program, or the completion of a Thesis or approved Senior Project. At the completion of the program, Hebrew Seminary grants the title of Rabbi to its graduates. Those who have been ordained through the Rabbinical School may go on to serve synagogues, hospitals, nonprofits, universities, and other Jewish and multifaith institutions that welcome the spiritual leadership of Hebrew Seminary’s ordainees. Rabbinical students at Hebrew Seminary grow to be masters of Jewish tradition and innovation as they study Jewish text, ritual, culture, and history from spiritual and academic angles. Click for more information about Hebrew Seminary’s Rabbinical School.
Hebrew Seminary’s Pararabbinic Program, which consists of approximately 2 years of full-time study (26 credits), grants the title of Pararabbi to its graduates. Those who complete the Parabbinic Program at Hebrew Seminary may serve communities seeking spiritual leadership without the full religious authority vested in rabbis. Compared to the Rabbinical School at Hebrew Seminary, the Pararabbinic Program requires fewer courses focused on Judaism’s legal and intellectual traditions and emphasizes competency in ritual leadership. Individuals wishing to become Pararabbis aim to expand their familiarity with specialized skill sets that set them apart from laypeople. Pararabbinic students might already be serving Jewish communities that cannot afford to hire full-time clergy but still seek well-trained leaders. Prospective pararabbinic students may be unable to commit the time or finances required of a rabbinic education but might still want to become members of the broader field of Jewish clergy. If a Pararabbinic student decides to continue their studies and join our Rabbinic program all credit hours earned will be applied toward completion of their Rabbinic Degree. Click for more information about Hebrew Seminary’s Pararabbinic Program.
Approximate Length of Study for Full-Time Students
Rabbinical School
4 – 5 years
Pararabbinic Program
Title Granted Upon Completion of Studies
Rabbinical School
Rabbi
Pararabbinic Program
Pararabbi
(note: this is an innovative model of Jewish leadership)
What Graduates Do
Rabbinical School
Serve Jewish communities, multi-faith communities, and seekers as spiritual, pastoral, ritual, moral, halakhic (Jewish legal), and intellectual leaders.
Pararabbinic Program
Number of Credits Required for Completion of Program*
*most courses count as 1 credit each; certain credits may be fulfilled by prior study
Rabbinical School
60
Pararabbinic Program
26
Senior Thesis/Project Requirement
Rabbinical School
Yes
Pararabbinic Program
No
Estimated Total Cost of Full Tuition for Full Program**
Rabbinical School
$42,000
Pararabbinic Program
$19,500