An English-taught, interdisciplinary program exploring Jewish civilization from antiquity to the present

Tel Aviv University (TAU) invites students from around the world to apply to its International MA in Jewish Studies, a dynamic program in English offering an in-depth exploration of Jewish civilization from antiquity to the present.

Hosted within the framework of TAU’s Faculty of Humanities and in collaboration with the Lowy International School and the Koret Center for Jewish Civilization the program offers a broad, interdisciplinary curriculum encompassing Biblical studies, Jewish and Semitic languages, and Jewish history as well as Jewish culture, literature and thought.

Classes are taught in English by internationally renowned scholars and are offered on TAU’s vibrant campus, with select hybrid and Zoom-based options.

A distinctive feature of the program is its academic partnership with Goethe University Frankfurt, one of Europe’s leading centers for religious studies and Jewish history, culture, and thought. Through this collaborative partnership, students can enroll in English-language courses offered by the Jewish Studies program and the religious studies program at Goethe University, further enhancing the program’s international scope.

Current courses include:

The Dialogical Turn in Modern Jewish Philosophy — Prof. Christian Wiese & Prof. Menachem Fisch

The Theology of the Hebrew Bible — Prof. Dalit Rom-Shiloni

The Dead Sea Scrolls and the Hebrew Bible: Transmission, Interpretation, and Ideology — Prof. Eshbal Ratzon

The Jewish Magical Tradition: An Introduction — Prof. Gideon Bohak

Early Modern Ashkenaz: Jewish Thought and Culture in the German Lands – Prof. Maoz Kahana & Prof. Rebekka Voss

Modern Jewish Politics: Between Power and Powerlessness — Prof. Scott Ury

Sephardi and Mizrahi Jews in Cross-Cultural Settings: Past and Present — Dr. Noah Gerber

“Through a wide range of courses on various aspects of Jewish studies, TAU’s MA program in Jewish Studies offers students the opportunity to study with leading scholars from TAU and Goethe University Frankfurt alongside a dynamic cohort of international students from Israel, Germany, and a number of other countries.”

Prof. Scott Ury, Academic Director, International MA in Jewish Studies, Dept. of Jewish History, TAU.

In addition to academic studies, students may enroll in intensive Hebrew language courses, participate in TAU’s Yiddish Summer Program, and take a wide range of additional courses on TAU’s campus offered in English and, for those with sufficient proficiency, in Hebrew.

TAU’s International MA in Jewish Studies provides students with a unique opportunity to engage directly with Israeli society, gaining critical insight into the historical, cultural, and political background of Israel as well as the crises currently facing the broader region.

As Alena R., a visiting MA Student from Goethe University notes:

“Studying in Tel Aviv is a great opportunity, because it allows for multiple ways of personal and academic growth: Experiencing living Israeli and Jewish culture, learning Hebrew, attending English seminars and getting research insights to current research by attending colloquia. The classes are diverse and interesting, and the teachers are dedicated, open, and supportive.

The program is open to students holding a BA in the Humanities, and in certain cases BA degrees in the Social Sciences or other fields. It is well-suited for those planning to pursue doctoral studies in related fields, careers in education, journalism or politics, or those who wish to work in non-profit or cultural organizations.

The MA can be completed in three to four semesters. Students can integrate some Zoom-based courses and intensive summer courses at TAU as well as several Zoom courses through Goethe University Frankfurt into their program of study. TAU also offers opportunities for student exchange with Goethe University that allow students to spend a semester at our partner university in Frankfurt.

A limited number of scholarships are available for students enrolling in the Spring Semester, March 15, 2026-June 30, 2026.

For more information about the program, admissions and the application process, please visit the Jewish Studies program website or contact: majs@tauex.tau.ac.il.