BS in Jewish Education

The Bachelor of Science in Jewish Education is designed to prepare students to become professional educators across the Jewish educational spectrum. The program is focused on equipping Orthodox Jewish women with the pedagogic, curriculum development, classroom management, Jewish content, and leadership skills necessary to be successful in the field. The coursework trains women to become effective Jewish educational leaders who successfully serve, perpetuate, and enrich the Jewish community. The Bachelor of Science in Jewish Education provides a solid foundation in education along with a liberal arts education and high-level Jewish studies coursework.

Program Goals

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science in Jewish Education, graduates will demonstrate the ability to:

Utilize effective oral and written communication, quantitative, technology, and research skills in the classroom and broader school community.
Apply research-based teaching strategies, instructional techniques, and curriculum design in ways that strengthen the learning and religious development of Jewish students.
Employ critical and analytical thinking in addressing the diverse needs of learners in Jewish educational and communal settings.
Exhibit a level of Jewish literacy required to serve as teachers in a Jewish education setting.
Utilize Jewish ethics and values to serve as a role model and mentor for students.
Serve as an educator, professional, and leader in ways that strengthen and enrich students, families, communities, and society.

Anchor 1

Degree Requirements

The program of study for the Bachelor of Science in Jewish Education consists of 120 credits as follows:

I. General Education Requirements 60 credits
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Anchor 2

A. Requires completion of COM 101 and PSY 280 within the general education requirements

COM 101 Fundamentals of Communication (3 credits)

Introduces the principles of effective communication and public speaking. Focuses on processes for constructing an argument, effectively transmitting information, and speaking with confidence. Develops all aspects of delivery, both in formal speeches and interpersonal communication.

Prerequisite(s): None

PSY 280 Human Growth and Development (3 credits)

Provides students with a broad knowledge and understanding of the field of developmental psychology. Emphasizes major theories, perspectives, and associated research as they relate to the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial aspects of development from conception through the end of life. Examines typical growth and development patterns, as well as factors that lead to disruption and change in those patterns. Students will develop insight into the factors that make people the way they are and how to support healthy human growth and development.

Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PSY 101(Introduction to Psychology)

II. Major Requirements 36 Credits

B. Requires 24 credits in education from the following:

EDU 101 Foundations of Teaching and Learning (3 credits)

Introduces the teaching profession and the important elements of effective teaching. Explores historical foundations and contemporary trends in education, educational philosophy. Covers concepts such as curricular methods and patterns, and educational theories such as multiple intelligences (Armstrong), brain-based learning (Caine and Caine), and dimensions of learning (Marzanno). Presents required components of effective lesson planning, including the development of effective learning objectives and selection of instructional strategies. Discusses contemporary challenges in education and expectations with regards to professionalism and the role of the teacher. Requires participation and observation of an actual classroom.

Prerequisite(s): None

EDU 265 Integrating Technology in the Classroom (3 credits)

Introduces the theories and techniques of educational technology. Discuses use of technology to improve learning, motivation, engagement, assessment, self-assessment, and classroom management in traditional classrooms, hybrid classrooms, and distance learning environments.

Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): EDU 101 (Foundations of Teaching and Learning)

EDU 320 Instructional Design (3 credits)

Emphasizes the use of formative, summative, and non-traditional assessments in the classroom. Introduces the principles of curriculum design that align learning objectives, instructional strategies, and assessment strategies. Focuses on the use of authentic assessment to evaluate student mastery. Topics also include assuring inclusion of special needs students in curriculum planning and using effective communication techniques with parents, support systems, and the learning community.

Prerequisite(s): EDU 101 (Foundations of Teaching and Learning)

EDU 322 Teaching Reading and Writing (3 credits)

Prerequisite(s): EDU 101 (Foundations of Teaching and Learning)

EDU 360 Classroom Techniques and Management (3 credits)

Introduces proactive strategies for creating a positive classroom climate and inclusive classroom culture, supporting engaged and self-directed learning. Students learn how to teach classroom behavior through routines, positive behavior interventions, and constructive natural consequences. Discusses the development of social-emotional skills as prerequisite for learning. Intended for students interested in teaching.

Prerequisite(s): None

EDU 490 Student Teaching (3 credits)

Provides a clinical experience that exposes students to all dimensions of teaching and learning. Requires a 15-week school placement where students apply knowledge and skills in a K-12 learning environment. Affords direct experience in delivering instruction and managing a classroom under the guidance of a mentor teacher.

Prerequisite(s): EDU 101 (Foundations of Teaching and Learning) or EDU 270 (Education: Theory and Practice) or equivalent. Must be pursuing major or minor in education.

PSY 230 Psychological Foundations of Education (3 credits)

Studies the psychological foundations of learning, memory and creativity, as related to educational processes. Emphasizes characterization of educational approaches in the context of important physical, cognitive, and motivational variables. Surveys relevant scientific research and relates research findings to practical applications within and beyond the classroom. Addresses complex topics such as standardized tests, bilingual populations, and the influences of home and community attitudes towards learning and education.
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PSY 101 (Introduction to Psychology)

PSY 383 Survey of Exceptional Children (3 credits)

Introduces the concepts and principles of special education, and the academic, behavioral, and physical disabilities practitioners may encounter in the field. Discusses the construction and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Covers basic diagnostic procedures, interventions, and strategies for the inclusive classroom.

Prerequisite(s): PSY 101 (Introduction to Psychology)

C. Requires 12 credits in Jewish studies that include the following:

1. Requires 3 credits in Teaching Tanach

JED 330 Teaching Tanach for Impact and Independence (3 credits)

Provides educators with best practices for teaching Chumash and Nach in a high school setting. Explores essential steps in effective teaching, including research, lesson planning, instructional strategies, and assessment techniques. Introduces students to various theories and approaches relevant to teaching Tanach, with a focus on differentiated instruction to meet the diverse needs of students. Addresses common challenges faced by educators and discusses how teaches can help student integrate Jewish values into their lives through the study of Tanach. May be offered as two courses of 1.5 credit hour each (JED 330A and JED 330B).

Prerequisite(s): None

2. Requires 3 credits in Bible from the following:

BIB 325 Living Tehillim in Challenging Times (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.

Credit given for PSY 225 or BIB 325

Prerequisite(s): Completion of 12 credits of Jewish studies or permission of the Executive Dean/Menaheles

BIB 360 Megillas Shir HaShirim (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

BIB 373 Megillas Eicha (Lamentations): Illuminating the Darkness (3 credits)

Explores Megillas Eicha in terms of linguistic and poetic structure as well as the historical context. Analyzes the purpose and practical implication of the Megillah through the lens of classical mefarshim (commentary) and contemporary baalei musar (Jewish philosophy). Discusses suffering and punishment from a Jewish theological viewpoint. Highlights the primacy of the city of Jerusalem in Jewish religious observance. Presents the messages of nechama (comfort) and teshuva (religious rehabilitation) and their applications to today.

Prerequisite(s): Completion of 12 credits of Jewish studies or permission of the Executive Dean/Menaheles

BIB 375 Megillas Esther (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

BIB 410 Unsung Heroines (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 (BIB 410A and BIB 410B).

Formerly BIB 410 (Unique Women in Tanach)

Prerequisite(s): Completion of 12 credits of Jewish studies or permission of the Executive Dean/Menaheles

BIB 412 Biblical Women: Women of the Household of Dovid HaMelech (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 (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

BIB 415 Roots of the Mitzvos (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

BIB 420 Exile to Redemption: History of the Jews at the End of the First Temple Era (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

3. Requires 3 credits in Jewish law from the following:

JLW 331 Jewish Law: Dietary Law (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

JLW 332 Jewish Law: Blessings (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

JLW 337 Business Ethics and Jewish Law (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

JLW 390 Ethical Interpersonal Communication (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

JLW 415 Women in the World (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

JLW 466 Medical Ethics and Jewish Law (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

4. Requires 3 credits in Jewish studies from the following:

Any JST, ETH, JLT, or JPH course; or one of the following Jewish History courses:

HIS 315 Jews and Christians in Renaissance Europe (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

HIS 337 History of the Jewish Community in the Land of Israel (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

HIS 340 Women in Jewish History and Culture (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

III. Free Electives 24 credits

The Bachelor of Science in Jewish Education requires a total of 36 credits in Jewish studies. The 21 credits in Jewish studies not completed within the major requirements may be completed as part of the humanities, general education elective or free elective requirements.

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 Science in Jewish Education.