THE RABBINICAL SCHOOL OF HEBREW COLLEGE

These enduring challenges transcend the lines that divide Jews from one another. Whether or not we identify with particular religious institutions, we seek teachers throughout Jewish life who will bring forth the deep human wisdom and divine creative spark that lie within our ancient sources.

Training those leaders is the goal of the Rabbinical School of Hebrew College. Founded on the College’s nine-decade legacy of pluralistic Jewish education, the Rabbinical School offers a rigorous five-year, full-time course of study within a model k’lal Yisrael community of learners and teachers. Based in Greater Boston, one of the nation’s most vibrant centers of academic Jewish scholarship and Jewish life, the Rabbinical School of Hebrew College presents a unique vision of rabbinic education for the 21st century.

An Innovative Curriculum

Students at the Rabbinical School immerse themselves in the religious, ethical and intellectual pursuit of Jewish knowledge, and seek to apply that knowledge to contemporary questions of personal meaning, Jewish communal life and social justice. An innovative curriculum, combining the best elements of the Western academic tradition and the traditional yeshivah, integrates the intense study of primary texts with themes of Jewish life and daily practice. Together we examine the sources of Judaism both in historical context and from a personal religious point of view. Through formal academic study, supervised bet midrash learning, communal worship, social action and celebration, we build a community committed to thoughtful Jewish living. 

A Love of Learning and Respect for Diversity

The heart of our program is the Bet Midrash, where students explore classical sources with colleagues and teachers of divergent beliefs in an atmosphere of friendship, shared inquiry and lively debate. While our students and faculty come from all walks of Jewish life, we are connected by a deep respect for the many interpretations of tradition, a love of learning, a commitment to vibrant prayer and thoughtful spiritual practice, a strong bond with Israel, a firm belief in the Jewish vision of a just world for all, and vibrant optimism for the future of the Jewish people.

A Full-time Commitment

Rabbinical study at Hebrew College is a full-time academic program. While students are encouraged to work in the Jewish community during their years here, both to support themselves and to gain supervised experience, such work should not be allowed to eclipse studies, which occupy the majority of daytime hours during the week. Because we believe that Israel (the Land, the State and the People) is an integral part of Jewish life in our day, students are required to spend an entire academic year in Israel during their third year of study.

Opportunities to Specialize

Within the context of our small, innovative community, each student is encouraged to choose areas of specialization, both academic and practical, for additional training. Professional specialties include additional training for chaplaincy, Jewish education (combining rabbinic ordination with a Masters of Jewish Education), Jewish music (combining rabbinic ordination with training in Hebrew College’s School of Jewish Music), Hillel careers on the college campus, interfaith activity and innovative outreach to unaffiliated Jews.

Rabbinic Ordination

Ordination from Hebrew College within this pluralistic environment distinguishes our graduates as rabbis who can serve in a wide range of settings, including both affiliated and unaffiliated congregations, communal organizations, schools and chaplaincy settings. Graduates who choose to serve a specific denomination are supported in their efforts, including application for membership to an appropriate rabbinic organization. All graduates are eligible for membership in the Hebrew College Rabbinical School Alumni Association, which provides opportunities for ongoing support, fellowship, learning and rabbinic mentoring.

Real-World Career Preparation

To prepare for day-to-day rabbinic practice, including both the congregational pulpit and other forms of rabbinic leadership, Rabbinical School students engage in a combination of didactic and experiential learning. Classroom study of relevant background materials is integrated with a series of internships guided by seasoned professionals who are sensitive to personal and professional growth. Students are mentored and supervised by experienced rabbis in third-year rabbinic internships as well as fifth-year student placements in synagogues and other communal institutions.