The University of Virginia Jewish Studies Program is an interdisciplinary program that emphasizes Jewish civilization and community. In coursework with over 25 faculty members from diverse departments and in extracurricular lectures, colloquia and cultural programs, students learn to examine all aspects of Jewish society, literature, language, culture, and history.
The cross-fertilization of ideas is an inherent part of the Jewish Studies Program. Jewish theory of Community, for example, sheds light on our understanding of social organizations. Furthermore, studies of the interpretive practices in the Jewish tradition mesh well with the current interest in reading and textual analysis. Jewish Studies can also provide a context for understanding the long history of relations among Jewish, Christian, and Islamic cultures. The nature of the Jewish experience and the methods of Jewish thought are in their essence multidisciplinary. As a result, the Jewish Studies program raises the level of scholarship and inquiry at the University, thereby opening new and promising avenues for research and education.
The cross-fertilization of ideas is an inherent part of the Jewish Studies Program. Jewish theory of Community, for example, sheds light on our understanding of social organizations. Furthermore, studies of the interpretive practices in the Jewish tradition mesh well with the current interest in reading and textual analysis. Jewish Studies can also provide a context for understanding the long history of relations among Jewish, Christian, and Islamic cultures. The nature of the Jewish experience and the methods of Jewish thought are in their essence multidisciplinary. As a result, the Jewish Studies program raises the level of scholarship and inquiry at the University, thereby opening new and promising avenues for research and education.
Students who have studied in the program have gone on to pursue a variety of paths including Rabbinical school, graduate school, research, governmental work, Jewish non-profit, and education.
Options for Undergraduates:
- Major
- Minor
- Interdisciplinary Program
- Concentration within Department of Religious Studies
- Just take a fun class!
Graduate students may work towards the MA or PhD in Modern Judaism through the Department of Religious Studies.
For more information, visit the Jewish Studies Program's website.
Options for Undergraduates:
- Major
- Minor
- Interdisciplinary Program
- Concentration within Department of Religious Studies
- Just take a fun class!
- Our students say that Introduction to Modern Hebrew with Zvi Gilboa has been a wonderful way to meet Jewish students before they even walk into Hillel! This class is engaging, active, and Zvi Gilboa always has exciting lesson plans for his classes. It's also a great way to practice Hebrew before your Birthright trip!
Graduate students may work towards the MA or PhD in Modern Judaism through the Department of Religious Studies.
For more information, visit the Jewish Studies Program's website.