Mission and History

Named after the first president of Yeshiva University, Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies is recognized as one of the outstanding academic graduate programs in its field. We evolved from Yeshiva University's graduate program in Semitics, which was established in 1935. The program was transformed into the Graduate School in 1937 and was expanded and renamed in 1941 in honor of the late Dr. Revel.

Dr. Samuel Belkin, the University's second president, was secretary of Revel's faculty during its early years. Dr. Norman Lamm, the University's third president, earned his PhD in Jewish philosophy from Revel in 1966. Other alumni include distinguished Judaica scholars, authors, principals of Jewish schools and heads of Jewish community agencies, rabbis, teachers and leading figures in other fields for whom Jewish learning remains a central value.

Our primary mission is to furnish our students with the knowledge, skills and credentials to pursue their career objectives successfully: as university professors, as teachers and administrators in Jewish educational institutions, as Jewish communal professionals and as individuals who will carry their advanced Jewish learning with them in whatever field they choose.