The Bachelor of Arts in Judaic Studies is designed to prepare students to become successful, Jewishly-informed professionals. Students engage in high level study of Jewish texts, thought and culture, which is designed to build critical and analytic thinking skills and a foundation of Jewish ethics and values. The coursework trains women to become effective professional leaders within the Jewish communal world or greater professional world, and contributors to their communities. The Bachelor of Arts in Judaic Studies provides a solid foundation in Jewish studies along with a liberal arts education and elective courses where students can pursue additional professional interests.
Program Goals
Upon completion of the Bachelor of Arts in Judaic Studies, graduates will demonstrate the ability to:
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Utilize effective oral and written communication, quantitative, technology, and research skills in the study of Jewish text, thought and culture, and in professional studies.
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Employ critical and analytical thinking to analyze and apply principles of Jewish and general studies to professional and religious life.
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Exhibit a level of Jewish literacy necessary to serve as an effective contributor across diverse communities.
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Utilize Jewish ethics and values as a guide in personal and professional endeavors.
Degree Requirements
The program of study for the Bachelor of Arts in Judaic Studies consists of 120 credits as follows:
General Education Requirements 60 credits
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Major Requirements 36 Credits
Requires a minimum of 3 credits in Bible from the following:
Textual Studies in Bible BIB 102 (3 credits) Focuses on building Jewish studies text analysis skills. Utilizes the chavrusa method of study, where students work in pairs and use guided study sheets to decode texts and generate questions. Explores the text thematically, using relevant commentaries in search of answers to textual and philosophical difficulties. Discusses an analysis of the text’s relevance to contemporary Jewish life. May be offered as two courses of 1.5 credit hour each (BIB 102A and BIB 102B). Prerequisite(s): None
Living Tehillim in Challenging Times BIB 325 (3 credits) Discusses the various songs of Tehillim and explores the psychological, theological, and historical elements that are found in each individual psalm/song. Explores how to connect to the diversity of raw emotions portrayed in the text and discover the therapeutic function and tools in the psalm. Discusses the psychological and theological elements of each song and how to integrate them into one’s personal and professional life. Delves into the mystical Hebrew alphabet to see the significance of King David’s alphabetizing the verses of his longest psalm, #119.
Megillas Shir HaShirim BIB 360 (3 credits) Explores the literal meaning and the metaphorical interpretations of the Megillah. Focuses largely on the commentary of the Alshich, who views the Megillah as essential to appreciating the relationship between Hashem and the Jewish people. May be offered as two courses of 1.5 credit hour each (BIB 360A and BIB 360B). Prerequisite(s): Completion of 12 credits of Jewish studies or permission of the Executive Dean/Menaheles
Megillas Esther BIB 375 (3 credits) Explores Megillas Esther through the lens of Gemaros, Midrashim, classical meforshim, and contemporary Baalei Mussar. Emphasizes analysis of Megilas Esther as the “Handbook of Galus” for Klal Yisroel. Connects the Halachos of Purim to the text of the Megilla. May be offered as two courses of 1.5 credit hour each (BIB 375A and BIB 375B). Prerequisite(s): None
Unique Women in Tanach BIB 410 (3 credits) Focuses on lesser known women in Tanach. Uses text analysis to explore all the סוגיות in תנ''ך (topics in the Bible) in which these women are found. Analyzes the lives of the women through classical and contemporary מפרשים to gain a deeper understanding of the פנימיות (essence) of these women. Evaluates how theirנסיונות (trials) and achievements impacted their own lives and the future of כלל ישראל (the Jewish people). May be offered as two courses of 1.5 credit hour each (JST 410A and JST 410B. Prerequisite(s): Completion of 12 credits of Jewish studies or permission of the Executive Dean/Menaheles
Biblical Women: Women of the Household of Dovid HaMelech (3 credits) BIB 412 (3 credits) Focuses on the prominent women in the house of Dovid HaMelech. Examines their contributions to the development of Malchus Bais Doviid, from its inception through the future Geulah 73 (redemption). Uses text analysis to explore all the Sugiyos (sections) in Tanach (topics in the Bible) in which these women are found. Analyzes the lives of the women through classical and contemporary Meforshim (commentaries) to gain a deeper understanding of the Penimiyos (essence) of these women. Evaluates how their Nisyonos (trials) and achievements impacted their own lives, the life of Dovid HaMelech, and the future of Klal Yisroel (the Jewish people). May be offered as two courses of 1.5 credit hour each (BIB 412A and BIB 412B). Prerequisite(s): Completion of 12 credits of Jewish studies or permission of the Executive Dean/Menaheles
Roots of the Mitzvos BIB 415 (3 credits) Uncovers the depth and meaning behind various mitzvos through the lens of Chazal, Rishonim and Achronim. Studies the roots of the mitzvos to enhance our relationship with and performance of the mitzvos. Uses text analysis uncover rich themes, develop textual skills, and consider new ways of viewing familiar and unfamiliar mitzvos. Requires students to be active participants by asking questions, offering suggestions and utilizing the text to support their understanding. Course will be taught through class discussion, small group work and interactive activities. May be offered as two courses of 1.5 credit hour each (BIB 415A and BIB 415B). Prerequisite(s): None
Exile to Redemption: History of the Jews at the End of the First Temple Era BIB 420 (3 credits) Examines chapters in Sefer Yechezkel pre-Churban and post-Churban. Investigates numerous sources in Tanach, Torah Sh'baal Peh, Rishonim, and Achronim to illuminate the historical and social context of each nevuah. Emphasizes relevance to contemporary life. May be offered as two courses of 1.5 credit hour each (BIB 420A and BIB 420B). Credit given for BIB 420 or HIS 420 Prerequisite(s): None
Requires a minimum of 3 credits in Jewish law from the following:
Jewish Law: Dietary Law JLW 331 (3 credits) Examines the laws of kashrus (dietary laws) using classical and contemporary sources. Explores how technology has impacted kashrus observance. Discusses practical laws relevant to the kosher kitchen. May be offered as two courses of 1.5 credit hour each (JLW 331A and JLW 331B). Formerly RAB 331 Jewish Law: Dietary Law Prerequisite(s): Completion of 12 credits of Jewish studies or permission of the Executive Dean/Menaheles
Jewish Law: Blessings JLW 332 (3 credits) Examines the concepts and different types of brachos (blessings). Covers the laws of brachos and their correct usage based on classical and contemporary sources. Investigates daily brachos, such as those said over food, as well as brachos related to mitzvos and special occasions. May be offered as two courses of 1.5 credit hour each (JLW 332A and JLW 332B). Formerly RAB 332 (Jewish Law: Blessings) Prerequisite(s): None
Business Ethics and Jewish Law JLW 337 (3 credits) Studies Jewish law as it relates to the world of commerce and business and its application to modern situations. Focuses on classical halachic literature, including Talmud and related commentaries. Explores the ethical principles that govern conduct in the world of commerce. Emphasis is placed on common ethical questions and the practical application of Jewish moral principles to the business world. May be offered as two courses of 1.5 credit hour each (JLW 337A and JLW 337B). Formerly RAB 337 (Jewish Law: Economics and Business Ethics) Credit given for JLW 337 or ETH 337 Prerequisite(s): Completion of 12 credits of Jewish studies or permission of the Executive Dean/Menaheles
Ethical Interpersonal Communication JLW 390 (3 credits) Studies the Jewish laws of interpersonal communication. Emphasizes the laws of speech, drawing from the Chofetz Chaim, Gemara, Medrashim, Rambam, Rabeinu Yona, and other Rishonim and Acharonim. Formerly JST 390 (Ethical Interpersonal Communication) Credit given for JLW 390 or ETH 390 Prerequisite(s): None
Women in the World JLW 415 (3 credits) Discusses the areas of Jewish law commonly encountered in the professional world. Examines laws relevant to a Jewish woman in the workplace. Explores the Jewish outlook towards interfacing with the secular world in various circumstances. May be offered as two courses of 1.5 credit hour each (JLW 415A and JLW 415B). Credit given for JLW 415 or JST 415 Prerequisite(s): Completion of 12 credits of Jewish studies or permission of the Executive Dean/Menaheles
Medical Ethics and Jewish Law JLW 466 (3 credits) Discusses the structure and development of Jewish ethics and halacha (law) connected to the fields of health and medicine. Explores the development of medical ethics and the evolution of halacha related to medicine. Covers the Jewish approach to health and healing and major ethical issues and debates that arise in the field of medicine. May be offered as two courses of 1.5 credit hour each (JLW 466A and JLW 466B). Formerly JST 466 (Judaism in Medicine: History, Ethics and Halacha) Credit given for JLW 466 or ETH 466 Prerequisite(s): Completion of 12 credits of Jewish studies or permission of the Executive Dean/Menaheles
Requires a minimum of 3 credits in Jewish studies from the following:
Topics in Chassidic Thought JST 411 (3 credits) Explores the content, substance, and spirit of Chassidic thought and life. Examines the history of the Chassidic movement within the context of modern Jewish history. Studies the lives of Chassidic masters. Engages in in-depth textual study of the seminal writing of Chassidic masters and application of those ideas to contemporary life. May be offered as two courses of 1.5 credit hour each (JST 411A and JST 411B). Prerequisite(s): None
Women in the World JST 415 (3 credits) Discusses the areas of Jewish law commonly encountered in the professional world. Examines laws relevant to a Jewish woman in the workplace. Explores the Jewish outlook towards interfacing with the secular world in various circumstances. May be offered as two courses of 1.5 credit hour each (JLW 415A and JLW 415B). Credit given for JLW 415 or JST 415 Prerequisite(s): Completion of 12 credits of Jewish studies or permission of the Executive Dean/Menaheles
Avodas HaLev: Fundamentals of Prayer JST 420 (3 credits) Explores the nature, power, and art of Jewish prayer and the challenges to effective prayer. Traces the historical development of formal prayer, including its structure. Examines texts of prayer to understand the concepts of prayer and how to make prayer meaningful. May be offered as two courses of 1.5 credit hour each (JST 420A and JST 420B). Prerequisite(s): Completion of 12 credits of Jewish studies or permission of the Executive Dean/Menaheles
Controversies from Within and Without JST 462 (3 credits) Explores how controversies in Halacha (Jewish Law) have played out through the ages. Investigates controversies both in their purely legalistic sense and in how the particular circumstances of that time and place played a role in the manifestation of the specific controversy. Provides an exploration of the intersection of Jewish Law and Jewish History. Draws parallels in episodes from yesteryear and contemporary issues. Allows the students to achieve a greater understanding of many of the different issues in their own lifetime. May be offered as two courses of 1.5 credit hour each (JST 462A and JST 462B). Prerequisite(s): Completion of 12 credits of Jewish studies or permission of the Executive Dean/Menaheles
Feminism and Jewish Perspectives of Women JST 478 (3 credits) Explores the history of feminism. Analyzes the Feminist Movement’s interface with traditional Judaism. Investigates the social position of women in the Bible and throughout history. Examines modesty, love, differences between the sexes, marriage, family purity, motherhood and career, sexuality, divorce and widowhood, mitzvah observance, and women and Jewish law. May be offered as two courses of 1.5 credit hour each (JST 478A and JST 478B). Prerequisite(s): None
Torah Growth and Development ETH 315 (3 credits) Examines one’s religious self-growth in three different spheres: the relationship with one’s self, with others, and with Hashem. Uses traditional and modern sources to uncover the ethical messages found in Rabbinical literature with an emphasis on how they can be applied to daily living. Prerequisite(s): None
Tomer Devora: Pathways to Ethical Living ETH 325 (3 credits) Explores the development of compassion as exemplified by G-d’s compassionate acts towards the Jewish People. Delves into the Tomer Devora by Rabbi Moshe Cordovero, which examines G-d’s thirteen attributes of rachamim. Explores ways of emulating G-d’s attributes to improve one’s character, live ethically, and enhance interpersonal relationships. May be offered as two courses of 1.5 credit hour each (ETH 325A and ETH 325B). Prerequisite(s): None
Business Ethics and Jewish Law ETH 337(3 credits) Studies Jewish law as it relates to the world of commerce and business and its application to modern situations. Focuses on classical halachic literature, including Talmud and related commentaries. Explores the ethical principles that govern conduct in the world of commerce. Emphasis is placed on common ethical questions and the practical application of Jewish moral principles to the business world. May be offered as two courses of 1.5 credit hour each (ETH 337A and ETH 337B). Formerly RAB 337 (Jewish Law: Economics and Business Ethics) Credit given for ETH 337 or JLW 337 Prerequisite(s): Completion of 12 credits of Jewish studies or permission of the Executive Dean/Menaheles
Ethical Interpersonal Communication ETH 390(3 credits) Studies the Jewish laws of interpersonal communication. Emphasizes the laws of speech, drawing from the Chofetz Chaim, Gemara, Medrashim, Rambam, Rabeinu Yona, and other Rishonim and Acharonim. Formerly JST 390 (Ethical Interpersonal Communication) Credit given for ETH 390 or JLW 390 Prerequisite(s): None
Medical Ethics and Jewish Law ETH 466 (3 credits) Discusses the structure and development of Jewish ethics and halacha (law) connected to the fields of health and medicine. Explores the development of medical ethics and the evolution of halacha related to medicine. Covers the Jewish approach to health and healing and major ethical issues and debates that arise in the field of medicine. May be offered as two courses of 1.5 credit hour each (ETH 466A and ETH 466B). Formerly JST 466 (Judaism in Medicine: History, Ethics and Halacha) Credit given for ETH 466 or JLW 466 Prerequisite(s): Completion of 12 credits of Jewish studies or permission of the Executive Dean/Menaheles
Matriarchs and Memoirs JLT 310 (3 credits) Centers around the landmark memoirs of Glikl bas Judah Leib (also known as Glückel of Hameln) written between 1691 and 1719. Utilizes this literary work, written by a family matriarch for her progeny, rich in historical details and reminiscence, to guide through the challenges, changes, and developments of Early Modern Jewish life in Germany (and beyond). Explores its ethical teachings, directed openly to the reader or more subtly conveyed through story and parable and its dialogues with the Divine, and puts it into conversation with texts from the broader corpus of Jewish philosophy that grapple with similar issues. Contextualizes Glikl’s memoirs within contemporaneous works written for Jewish women and by Jewish women related to morals, Halacha, and women’s prayer and supplication. Credit given for JLT 310 or HIS 310 Prerequisite(s): None
Challenging Concepts in Tanach and Midrash JLT 329 (3 credits) Focuses on creative exploration of Biblical and rabbinic texts and how to develop an overarching thematic ‘’panorama’’ of narratives which is both compelling and inspiring. Discusses the difference between authoritative derash versus speculative homiletics, and how to trace scriptural and midrashic patterns to corroborate the truth of an idea. Explores ways to interact with text that are both academically rigorous and emotionally inspiring, stimulating the heart along with the mind. Prerequisite(s): None
Nature’s Song: Studies in Perek Shira JLT 385 (3 credits) Studies the first chapter of Perek Shira. Explores the majesty of nature as expressed in the text of the poem. Examines the timeless messages for personal success and growth encrypted in the poem. May be offered as two courses of 1.5 credit hour each (JLT 385A and JLT 385B). Prerequisite(s): Completion of 12 credits of Jewish studies or permission of the Executive Dean/Menaheles
Jewish Holidays in Biblical and Talmudic Literature JLT 480 (3 credits) Examines sources in Chumash which discuss Jewish holidays with the aim of developing a deeper understanding of the meaning of the holidays. Analyzes the text of the Chumash and differences in the language used in various locations to discuss holidays. Utilizes traditional and modern commentaries to widen understanding of the messages of the Chumash for observance of the holidays, and how these messages can be used to enhance holiday experiences. May be offered as two courses of 1.5 credit hour each (JLT 480A and JLT 480B). Formerly BIB 480 (Jewish Holidays in Biblical and Talmudic Literature) Prerequisite(s): Completion of 12 credits of Jewish studies or permission of the Executive Dean/Menaheles
Letters Through the Ages JPH 350 (3 credits) Examines letters of gedolim from the early Rishonim to the late Achronim with the aim of gaining insight into the lives and teachings of great Jewish leaders. Explores angles and insights not usually exposed through their classic writings. Analyzes philosophical and hashkafic ideas as they relate to the individual and Klal Yisrael’s destiny as a whole, with an emphasis on relevance to daily living. Analyzes the different writing styles of rabbinic and poetic Hebrew. May be offered as two courses of 1.5 credit hour each (JPH 350A and JPH 350B). Prerequisite(s): Completion of 12 credits of Jewish studies or permission of the Executive Dean/Menaheles
Writings of the Maharal JPH 378 (3 credits) Studies the writings of the Maharal, particularly the Be'er HaGolah. In the Be'er HaGolah the Maharal presents a comprehensive picture of the role of Chazal and of their methodology. Written as a defense of Chazal, it produces an awe-inspiring appreciation of the depth of their teachings Formerly JST 378 (Writings of the Maharal of Prague) Prerequisite(s): None
Jewish Philosophy: Rambam’s Thirteen Principles I JPH 400 (3 credits) Discusses the concepts of Rambam’s (Maimonides) Thirteen Principles of Faith from his own writings and as expounded by Rishonim and Acharonim with sources drawn from Gemara and Midrashim. Emphasizes application of the thirteen principles to everyday life. Focuses on the first five of the Thirteen Principles of Faith. Formerly JST 400 (Jewish Philosophy: Rambam’s Thirteen Principles I) Prerequisite(s): Completion of 12 credits of Jewish studies or permission of the Executive Dean/Menaheles
Jewish Philosophy: Rambam’s Thirteen Principles II (3 credits) JPH 401 (3 credits) Discusses the concepts of Rambam’s (Maimonides) Thirteen Principles of Faith from his own writings and as expounded by Rishonim and Acharonim with sources drawn from Gemara and Midrashim. Emphasizes application of the thirteen principles to everyday life. Focuses on principles six through thirteen of the Thirteen Principles of Faith. Formerly JST 401 (Jewish Philosophy: Rambam’s Thirteen Principles II) Prerequisite(s): Completion of 12 credits of Jewish studies or permission of the Executive Dean/Menaheles
The Life and Works of Ramchal JPH 412 (3 credits) Examines the life of Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzatto, the Ramchal, and the time period in which he lived. Explores the works of machshava he wrote in his life within their historical context. Studies “Derech Hashem,” which is his great and influential work of Jewish philosophy, theology, and spirituality. May be offered as two courses of 1.5 credit hour each (JPH 412A and JPH 412B). Prerequisite(s): Completion of 12 credits of Jewish studies or permission of the Executive Dean/Menaheles
Jews and Christians in Renaissance Europe HIS 315 (3 credits) Explores the lives of Jews and Christians in Renaissance Europe with a focus on arenas of interaction and inclusion, as well as early modern modes of exclusion, isolation, and religious persecution. Studies religious life, economic and cultural change and development, women and family life, and Renaissance education. Introduces sources and methods of historical research, while fostering critical reading, analysis, and writing skills. Prerequisite(s): None
History of the Jewish Community in the Land of Israel HIS 337 (3 credits) Surveys Jewish history from Gaonic through early modern times and connections to the rise of Zionism and growth of Jewish communities in Israel. Discusses the origins of the modern Zionist movement within the context of ideological movements in 18th-20th century Europe. Covers the Old Yishuv, early Aliyah movements, and differing rabbinic responses to early Zionism. Focuses on the shift from life under the British mandate to the establishment of the State of Israel. Introduces key personalities in Jewish life in Palestine and Israel, forms of Jewish resistance, and early Arab resistance. Explores recent Israeli history and the Arab-Israeli conflict until the present. May be offered as two courses of 1.5 credit hour each (HIS 337A and HIS 337B). Prerequisite(s): None
Women in Jewish History and Culture HIS 340 (3 credits) Investigates the lives of Jewish women from early modern times until today and examines the influence of gender upon experiences. Focuses on the four major themes of women’s daily lives, women’s participation in the economy and public sphere, women’s religious lives, and women’s family lives. Introduces sources and methods of historical research, while fostering critical reading, thinking, and writing skills. Prerequisite(s): None
Requires a minimum of 27 credits from the following subject areas: BIB, JLW, JST, ETH, JLT, JPH, JST, HIS (Jewish history only), and up to a maximum of 6 credits in Hebrew language.
Free Electives 24 credits
A minimum of 30 credits must be taken at WITS, of which at least 15 credits must be at the 300/400 level.
A minor in another discipline may be completed in conjunction with the Bachelor of Arts in Judaic Studies.