Undergraduate Jewish Studies Programs

All Yeshiva University undergraduates pursue a dual program of Jewish studies and college academic studies throughout their undergraduate years. Classes from beginner to advanced levels are offered in Bible, Tanakh, Hebrew, Talmud (Gemara), Jewish history, Jewish philosophy and ethics, Jewish law (Halakhah), and Judaic studies.

Formal classroom and beit midrash studies are augmented with special programs, study partners, tutors, and mentors. An encompassing counseling program concerned with individual student growth and development is a significant part of the Jewish studies program.

» At the Wilf Campus

The men of Yeshiva College and Sy Syms School of Business select from these distinct Jewish studies options:

Isaac Breuer College of Hebraic Studies offers advanced Jewish studies in Talmud, Bible, Jewish history, Jewish philosophy, and Jewish law and ethics, and awards associate in arts, bachelor of science, and bachelor of arts degrees.

James Striar School of General Jewish Studies/Mechinah Program offers several Jewish studies tracks for men with less familiarity with Hebrew language and textual study, but who aspire to attain a broad-based Jewish philosophical and text education. Confers associate in arts degree.

Irving I. Stone Beit Midrash Program offers a diversified curriculum for men with a substantial background in Talmud. It provides a high level of Talmud study in a traditional yeshiva environment supplemented by studies in Bible, Jewish law, and Jewish ethics and philosophy.

Rabbi Michael D. Shmidman, PhD, Dean, Undergraduate Jewish Studies

Yeshiva Program/Mazer School of Talmudic Studies offers a classical and sophisticated yeshiva experience for men with advanced backgrounds in Talmudic learning.In 2006, the Mazer Yeshiva program inaugurated a Yeshiva Honors Program, directed by Rabbi Mayer Twersky, Merkin Professor and rosh yeshiva (teacher of Talmud and Torah) at RIETS. The program requires additional learning, mentoring, bechinot (examinations) and the publication of Talmudic exegeses.

Rabbi Zevulun Charlop, MA, Max and Marion Grill Dean, Yeshiva Program/Mazer School of Talmudic Studies and Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary

» At the Israel Henry Beren Campus

The women of Stern College and Sy Syms School of Business learn at:

Rebecca Ivry Department of Jewish Studies, which offers a comprehensive curriculum of courses, including courses in the Basic Jewish Studies Program, to match students’ diverse backgrounds and different levels of preparation. Classes provide extensive analysis of classic texts in their Hebrew and Aramaic originals and seek to deepen students’ ethical and philosophical insights and values. Students may also earn a Hebrew teacher’s diploma or an associate in arts degree in Jewish studies.

Rabbi Ephraim Kanarfogel, PhD, Chairman, Rebecca Ivry Department of Jewish Studies, Stern College for Women