Judaic Studies

You can minor or major in Judaic Studies at F&M. A major in Judaic Studies may be arranged as a special studies major, meaning you design the major to meet your learning goals. You can tailor your studies by choosing from courses within any other existing major offered at F&M, in particular those examining the history and culture of Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and the Americas. 

By the time you graduate, you will be able to demonstrate: 

• An understanding of Jewish culture, history, and politics, and how they relate to the world at large.
• A more holistic understanding of Judaic experiences as both a religion and a cultural identity.
• A familiarity with the Hebrew language 
• Critical and analytical thinking and the ability to empathize outside of your lived experiences.
• The ability to collaborate effectively in a manner that translates to the professional arena.
  

Curious what Judaic Studies courses are like? Explore our course catalog to see the choices available to you.

With our many research and study-abroad opportunities, you’ll have plenty of chances to step outside the structure of the classroom and embark on your own explorations in Judaic Studies.

Off-Campus Study

When studying a culture that influences the world, it is vital to experience this cultural exchange yourself. Our students have pursued advanced studies in England, Czech Republic, and at Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Ben-Gurion University in Beer Sheva, Israel. Our students regularly participate in international internships and social justice programs in Israel including Achvat Amim (Jerusalem) and the Yahel Social Change Fellowship (Israel). Faculty have occasionally led an F&M summer travel course to Israel, which provides an introduction to Israeli history, culture, and society from its beginnings until today. The first week is spent at F&M and the following two weeks are spent in Israel, where you will gain a firsthand perspective on many aspects of contemporary Jewish life.

Summer Research and Travel Opportunities

The Bank Summer Study Award, which provides financial assistance for studying abroad, is available to students of Judaic Studies with exceptional academic records. In recent years students may apply for summer funding to conduct research abroad in Jewish painters and painting styles in Europe, European synagogue architecture, and anthropological fieldwork focused on religion and politics in Israel. 
Explore off-campus study at F&M

Research Opportunities

Every student at F&M has extraordinary opportunities to engage in independent or faculty-led research. With faculty guidance, you can do a more in-depth dive into the topics that interest you most.
Explore research at F&M

The Klehr Center for Jewish Life

Judaic Studies at F&M prepares you to be well-suited for any number of careers or graduate school programs. The intellectual and analytical activities that make up the work of Judaic Studies — including cultural empathy, collaborating with others, and critical thought — help you develop useful and productive skills, which are valuable for any post-college plan.

Graduate School

Graduate school is a popular path for our students. Recent graduates have pursued advanced degrees — including doctorates — in the social sciences and humanities. They have enrolled at the best universities in the U.S. and abroad, including: 

• Johns Hopkins University
• Georgetown University
• University of California, Davis 
• Jewish Theological Seminary
• New School for Social Research
• Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law

Career Paths

A degree in Judaic Studies can help prepare you for a variety of career paths. Previous graduates hold positions Jewish philanthropy, Jewish engagement, university teaching and research, high school teaching and Jewish education, law, social work, nonprofit and public policy work, medicine, rabbinic studies and pastoral work.