phd scholarship jewish studies

To make this site work properly, we sometimes place small data files called cookies on your device. By choosing to continue to use this site without changing your cookie setting, we will assume that you are consenting to receive cookies.

Hillel International

Scholarships for jewish students.

From hosting the world’s largest searchable, sortable database of scholarships for Jewish students, to providing Hillel International scholarships to students throughout North America, we want to make it easier for Jewish students to attend college and pursue their dreams.

Jewish Scholarships Portal

We were tired of running countless Google searches and browsing the web to find college scholarships for Jewish students…so we put them all in one place! Hillel’s Jewish Scholarships Portal allows you to search for more than 650 college scholarships — just for Jewish students! Search scholarships by location, school year, award amount, study abroad, and much more.

Hillel International Scholarships

Hillel International directly grants, administers and awards scholarships for Jewish students, including scholarships for incoming or current undergraduate and graduate students. Hillel International scholarships are open to students who identify as Jewish and are attending or preparing to attend four-year colleges and universities or graduate programs.

Discover the Crew that’s Right for You

Search colleges and universities for all kinds of Jewish experiences

• Join / Renew
• Book a Speaker
• Professional Development
• Fellowships, Grants, & Awards

Fellowships & Awards

Ajs fellowships, grants, & awards.

The AJS offers grants to its members to support conference, travel, and scholarly publications.

Jordan Schnitzer Book Awards

The Schnitzer Book Awards recognize and promote outstanding scholarship in the field of Jewish Studies and will honor scholars whose work embodies the best in the field: innovative research, excellent writing, and sophisticated methodology.

AJS Scholars of Color Fellowship

The mentorship program pairs scholars who have made or will make contributions to Jewish Studies scholarship with experienced mentors, while also building a community among the cohort.

Conference Travel Grants

Since 2009, the AJS has awarded more than $150,000 in travel grant funding to its members. The AJS remains committed to supporting wide participation in the conference. In particular, the AJS seeks to support untenured faculty, graduate students, independent scholars without full-time employment, and international scholars who receive little to no institutional support for conference travel.

AJS Dissertation Completion Fellowships

Launched in 2016, this fellowship program awards finishing-year fellowships annually (up to $33,000) to PhD students entering the final year of their programs and completing a dissertation in the field of Jewish Studies.

Jordan Schnitzer First Book Publication Awards

This program is designed for current AJS member authors who already have secured publishing contracts but who require subventions to ensure publication of their first books. The AJS will grant five awards of $5,000 each.

AJS Contingent Faculty and Independent Scholar Research Grants

The Association for Jewish Studies is pleased to again offer its Contingent Faculty and Independent Scholar Research Grants. The AJS will award five research grants of $1,000 each. Eligible applicants must be current AJS members and hold a PhD. These awards are meant to assist scholars who do not have any guaranteed institutional funding.

Gender Justice Caucus Awards

Cashmere subvention award in jewish gender, sexuality, and women's studies.

This award provides a $1,000 grant in support of scholarly publication in the areas of Jewish Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies. Book proposals to be considered for the grant must make a clear argument for the ways in which the work represents a contribution to any of these fields and a subfield of Jewish Studies.

AJS Gender Justice Caucus Prize for Innovative Scholarship in Gender and Jewish Studies

The prize will be given in recognition of a paper presented at the last AJS annual meeting within any discipline of Jewish studies that opens up new areas of inquiry or advances Jewish feminist or gender studies.

AJS Gender Justice Caucus Travel Grant

The AJS Gender Justice Travel Grants are awarded to graduate students and independent scholars whose papers contribute to the study of women, feminism, and gender in Jewish studies and have been accepted for presentation at the AJS conference.

AJS Gender Justice Caucus Award for Mentorship

This award recognizes outstanding service in the profession through the mentorship of women scholars in Jewish Studies.

AJS Award Recipients

Past recipients of awards and fellowships sponsored by the Association for Jewish Studies.

Fellowships & Grants Directory

A guide to grants and fellowships of interest to Jewish studies scholars, highlighting funding opportunities for graduate students, junior and senior faculty, and independent scholars. The data focuses primarily on grants in support of Jewish studies research, although the directory also includes information about a select few general funding agencies (i.e., NEH, ACLS).

Fellowships Directory       Announce Fellowships

• College of Arts & Sciences
• Graduate Division
• College of Liberal and Professional Studies

• Graduate Program in Hebrew Literature and Jewish Tradition

MELC’s graduate program in Hebrew Literature and Jewish Tradition is composed of three tracks:

Biblical Studies

Post-biblical jewish history and culture, modern hebrew literature.

In general, the student is to follow the  MA general procedures   or the  PhD general procedures  of the department, but the following statements outline the regulations specific to the graduate program in HLJT.

At the heart of MELC’s Hebrew Bible/Old Testament track are texts composed over a period extending from the early Iron Age to the Hellenistic-Roman period. The goal of this track is to prepare students to research and teach these texts, in both the historical contexts in which they were originally composed, and as they have been understood in later historical periods. Drawing on faculty in MELC, the Jewish Studies Program, and other departments, the Biblical Studies program takes an interdisciplinary approach to biblical literature that involves the study of language, literature, history, archaeology, and other fields. This program can be tailored for individual students with different interests.

Textual Mastery

Interpretive history, secondary field, hebrew and aramaic of the biblical period, biblical literature, history, geography, and archaeology of israel in the biblical period in their ancient near eastern context, ancillary fields, history and culture of ancient israel, comparative studies relating biblical israel to the student's primary field, qualifying exams, candidacy exams.

Penn’s PhD Program in Post-Biblical Jewish History and Culture is designed to train students to engage in teaching and original research that pertains to the cultural developments and products of Jewish life from the seventh through the sixteenth centuries, in communities of Mesopotamia, Christian Europe, and the Islamicate world. The program of study will be tailored to the needs and interests of each student, and will engage a range of MELC and Penn faculty members. All programs of study will involve the exploration of Jewish historical and cultural phenomena within the diachronic context of the Jewish past, and the synchronic context of the broader regional culture. Students will be expected to acquire proficiency in this historically and geographically broad field, for the purposes of undergraduate instruction, and scholarly expertise in the narrower research field that is chosen.

Incoming students must be able to read and comprehend unvocalized Hebrew in Rashi script. Incoming students must also be able to read modern Hebrew in order to engage secondary literature. Over the course of study (if not before), students will be expected to acquire a reading knowledge of both French and German. As a rule, students will develop competence in either Latin or Arabic, though there may be exceptions, depending on the chosen field of research.

Philological competence

The jewish bookshelf, historical and contextual competence, methodological tool kit & state of the field, familiarity with the foundational corpora of rabbinic judaism, ability to read with comprehension, and to locate passages in:, ancillary proficiencies geared to research field:.

The program of study in Modern Hebrew Literature encompasses texts composed from the end of the eighteenth-century to the present day, from wherever they have been written, e.g. Israel, the broader Middle East, Europe, and North America. It is designed to allow students to pursue study, research, and eventually teaching by means of an approach to the field that is textually and linguistically rigorous, consciously interdisciplinary, and responsive to the individual interests of students. Although grounded in Middle Eastern and Jewish Studies, our program also engages in dialogue with World Literature, Comparative Literature, History, Slavic and Germanic Studies, Religious Studies, and more.

Linguistic and Textual Mastery

All students are expected to develop proficiency in one of the following four secondary fields:

Continuity of Hebrew Literature

Liturgy and medieval literature.

Report Accessibility Issues and Get Help

Universal Navigation

Universal navigation2, search form.

PhD Program

The Anne Tanenbaum Centre for Jewish Studies' PhD program is an academically rigorous collaborative program that trains doctoral students to become well-rounded scholars with a strong foundation in Jewish Studies. Students learn the value of interdisciplinary scholarship, thrive with the mentorship of ATCJS' faculty members, benefit from the Centre's rich network of students and scholars at UofT and beyond, and have access to significant funding for research. Students also enjoy meeting many fellow scholars who approach topics in Jewish Studies with various perspectives and backgrounds.

One of the highlights of ATCJS' PhD program is the annual Schwartz-Reisman Graduate Conference in April, where students share their brilliant research projects with the community. The Graduate Student Conference always receives an enthusiastic response, with the past conference in April 2020 having more than 100 people in attendance for the event.

Find out more about our PhD program requirements and scholarship and award opportunities.

• About our Graduate Studies
• PhD Program Requirements
• Scholarships and Awards
• Curriculum & Course Information
• Request new password

• Search All Scholarships
• Exclusive Scholarships
• Easy Scholarships to Apply For
• No Essay Scholarships
• Scholarships for HS Juniors
• Scholarships for HS Seniors
• Scholarships for College Students
• Scholarships for Grad Students
• Scholarships for Women
• Scholarships for Black Students
• Scholarships
• Student Loans
• College Admissions
• Financial Aid
• Scholarship Winners
• Scholarship Providers

Student-centric advice and objective recommendations

Higher education has never been more confusing or expensive. Our goal is to help you navigate the very big decisions related to higher ed with objective information and expert advice. Each piece of content on the site is original, based on extensive research, and reviewed by multiple editors, including a subject matter expert. This ensures that all of our content is up-to-date, useful, accurate, and thorough.

Our reviews and recommendations are based on extensive research, testing, and feedback. We may receive commission from links on our website, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our marketing partners don’t review, approve or endorse our editorial content. It’s accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted. You can find a complete list of our partners here .

Top 40 Scholarships for Jewish Students in September 2024

Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

Learn about our editorial policies

If you’re looking for scholarships for Jewish students, you’re in the right place. We’ve collected some of the best scholarships out there for Jewish students, regardless of whether they are completing their undergrad, a graduate degree, or another form of study. In addition, some of the opportunities listed below are open to non-Jewish students who are majoring or taking courses in Jewish studies. Good luck, or B’hatzlacha, to all!

Why choose Scholarships360

We helped over 4 million students find scholarships in 2023

We've spent over 4,000 hours reviewing 3,000 scholarship programs

13+ years of experience helping students make smart education decisions

The Scholarships360 Research Team reviews all scholarships individually and strives to exclude any scholarship where any of the below applies:

• The scholarship requires a fee to apply
• The scholarship provider’s privacy policy allows for the misuse of student data
• The scholarship requires paid membership in an organization (with certain exceptions for reputable trade organizations and others)
• Student are required to sign up for a site or service to apply*
• The scholarship seems primarily used for lead generation** or idea harvesting purposes***
• The scholarship website has many grammatical errors and/or advertisements
• The scholarship or scholarship providing organization seem untrustworthy
• There is no evidence the scholarship was previously awarded
• The scholarship has not been awarded in the past 12 months
• There is no available contact information

If you believe a scholarship has been published in error, please reach out to [email protected] and we’ll take a look!

* There are certain exceptions to this, for example if the sponsoring organization is a major corporation or nonprofit with its own scholarship application system. ** Lead generation scholarships will require students to sign up for an app or website and require minimal (if any) application requirements. ***Idea harvesting scholarships will require students to submit blog posts or other materials that companies may use for marketing purposes.

Scholarships360 is recommended by

RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS360 WINNERS

Danielle Emretane

Winner of the Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

Fiorella Ruiz

Winner of the "Commencing at Community College" Scholarship

Jack Furman

Winner of the “Tuition Solution” STEM Scholarship

Morgan Breitschuh

Winner of the “Follow Your Own Path” Scholarship

Connor Godoy

Winner of the “Commencing at Community College Scholarship”

Kyamani Atterbury

Winner of the “Outstanding Undergraduate” Scholarship

$10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Scholarships360

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high… Show More

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high school student who hopes to go to college, a graduate student who’s in a master’s program, or an adult learner who wants to return to school, you are eligible for our no essay scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded to students who get the most out of Scholarships360 scholarships and content. You will be a strong applicant if you apply to scholarships with the Scholarships360 platform. Finalists for this scholarship will be interviewed about their process for funding their education. Show Less

$2,000 Sallie Mae Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Sallie Mae

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for…

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for school.

Israel Experience High School Scholarship Program

Offered by Jewish United Fund

Are you a Jewish high school student from the Chicago metropolitan area wanting to participate in a study abroad program in Israel? If so, consider… Show More

Are you a Jewish high school student from the Chicago metropolitan area wanting to participate in a study abroad program in Israel? If so, consider applying for the Israel Experience High School Scholarship Program. The Israel Experience High School Scholarship Program is open to Jewish high school students living in the Chicago metropolitan area who have applied for a study abroad program in Israel that does not begin until after the scholarship application deadline. The scholarship is offered by the Jewish United Fund, the central philanthropic center of Chicago's Jewish community and one of the largest not-for-profit social welfare institutions in Illinois. The goals of the Jewish United Fund Israel Experience Scholarship Program are to strengthen students' Jewish identities, develop a greater commitment to the Chicago Jewish community, and promote leadership in the Jewish community. The scholarship is offered triannually, with deadlines on March 15th, June 1st, and November 1st of each year. If this sounds like a good opportunity for you, we encourage you to apply. Keep on reading to learn more! Show Less

BigFuture $40k Essay-Free Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by The College Board

Open to US-Based high school students in the class of 2025 — no essay, minimum GPA, test score, or citizenship requirements.

Norbert and Gretel B. Bloch Endowed Scholarship Fund

Offered by Melton Center for Jewish Studies

Are you a current student at Ohio State University (OSU) pursuing Jewish Studies? You might want to consider applying for the Norbert and Gretel B.… Show More

Are you a current student at Ohio State University (OSU) pursuing Jewish Studies? You might want to consider applying for the Norbert and Gretel B. Bloch Endowed Scholarship Fund in Jewish Studies! This scholarship is awarded annually to students who are interested in creating and facilitating a program that will enhance awareness of topics relevant to Jewish life, culture, or history. In addition to the program budget, winners also receive a $1,000 scholarship. Applying for this scholarship isn’t too involved - you’ll just need to complete the online application form including your proposal and some additional academic documents. This scholarship is funded directly through a generous endowment made by Norbert and Gretel B. Bloch. Only one student is awarded each year, so make sure you put your best foot forward in your application materials! If you’re a current student at OSU pursuing Jewish Studies and this sounds like an interesting opportunity for you, then we encourage you to apply! Show Less

Niche $25,000 “No Essay” Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Niche

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year!

Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards

Offered by Helen Diller Family Foundation

Young people have the power and passion to create ripples of good and repair the world. Every year, the Helen Diller Family Foundation awards up… Show More

Young people have the power and passion to create ripples of good and repair the world. Every year, the Helen Diller Family Foundation awards up to 15 Jewish teens with $36,000 each for their leadership efforts to change the world. From the environment to social justice to access to education and beyond, these young people are tackling big challenges in their communities and having tremendous impact. Applicants must identify as Jewish, be 13-19 years old on January 9, 2025, be a resident of the United States, currently serve in a leadership role on a project/initiative aimed at repairing the world, and volunteer without any compensation. Show Less

Helyn B. Reich Memorial Scholarship

Offered by American Zionist Movement

Are you an American college student or graduate who has been accepted to an Israel study abroad or MASA Israel Journey program? Further, are you… Show More

Are you an American college student or graduate who has been accepted to an Israel study abroad or MASA Israel Journey program? Further, are you actively involved in pro-Israel activities on your college campus or local community? If so, the Helyn B. Reich Memorial Scholarship may be a good opportunity for you. Twice a year, the scholarship awards multiple scholarships worth up to $1,500 to fund applicants’ study abroad/post-grad programs in Israel. While applications for the spring semester are due January 15th, fall semester and year-round program applications are due July 15th.  If you fit the criteria and will soon be enrolled in a study abroad or post-grad program in Israel, keep on reading to learn more. Show Less

$10,000 CollegeXpress Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by CollegeXpress

Annual $10k scholarship from CollegeXpress open to all high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors.

Clifford Lee Kristal Education Grant

Offered by Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America

The Clifford Lee Kristal Education Grant is awarded to the direct descendants (children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren) of a member in good standing of the Jewish War… Show More

The Clifford Lee Kristal Education Grant is awarded to the direct descendants (children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren) of a member in good standing of the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America. If an applicant's relative is deceased, the member must have been in good standing at the time of his/her death. All members (including Posthumous) must have joined at least three (3) years ago. The application should be mailed to the appropriate Department Commander. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to receive funding for your post-secondary education. Keep on reading to learn more! Show Less

Mary Taylor Friedler Memorial Scholarship

Offered by Jewish Foundation of Greater New Haven

Are you a Jewish high school senior residing in New Haven County, Connecticut? The Mary Taylor Friedler Memorial Scholarship may then be a great scholarship… Show More

Are you a Jewish high school senior residing in New Haven County, Connecticut? The Mary Taylor Friedler Memorial Scholarship may then be a great scholarship opportunity for you! The Mary Taylor Friedler Memorial Scholarship is offered by the Jewish Foundation of Greater New Haven, a trusted and expert resource for charitable gift planning and endowments. The organization also serves as a partner and resource for synagogues, local Jewish agencies, professional advisors, and donors. The scholarship is open to any and all Jewish high school seniors in New Haven County with a “B” average or higher. The annual $1,000 scholarship is awarded to multiple students, so long as funds allow for it. If you fit the eligibility criteria, we encourage you to apply!  Show Less

$25k “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Bold.org

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

Emma Kohn Podoloff Scholarship Fund of the National Council of Jewish Women

Are you a Jewish, college-bound high school senior who resides in the Greater New Haven area? If so, you may be eligible for the Emma… Show More

Are you a Jewish, college-bound high school senior who resides in the Greater New Haven area? If so, you may be eligible for the Emma Kohn Podoloff Scholarship Fund of the National Council of Jewish Women! If Each year, the scholarship awards $1,500 each to multiple eligible applicants who submit a 750-word essay, transcript, their parents’ latest 1040 Tax Return, and a copy of their college acceptance letter. If you're an incoming, Jewish college freshman from Greater New Haven, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more. Show Less

Bernard Rotberg Memorial Grant

The Bernard Rotberg Memorial Grant is available to direct descendants of Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America members in good standing. If… Show More

The Bernard Rotberg Memorial Grant is available to direct descendants of Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America members in good standing. If the member has passed away, they must have been in good standing at the time of their death. All members, including posthumous, must have joined before the January 1st three years prior to the year of the application deadline. To apply, send your application to the appropriate Department Commander, and keep on reading to learn more. Show Less

$1,000 Appily Easy College Money Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Appily

This easy scholarship from Appily is open to U.S. high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, 2027) and college transfer students. One scholarship will be… Show More

This easy scholarship from Appily is open to U.S. high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, 2027) and college transfer students. One scholarship will be awarded each month. Show Less

Rose Biller Scholarship Fund

Offered by Hebrew Free Loan Society

The Rose Biller Scholarship Fund is open to Jewish residents of NYC’s five boroughs, Westchester, and Long Island who are also attending a post-secondary institution… Show More

The Rose Biller Scholarship Fund is open to Jewish residents of NYC’s five boroughs, Westchester, and Long Island who are also attending a post-secondary institution in one of these regions. Applicants must also be in at least their second year of an undergraduate program and demonstrate significant economic need. If you're a Jewish postsecondary student from and attending school in one of NYC’s five boroughs, Westchester, or Long Island, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more. Show Less

Jewish Community Foundation College Scholarships

Offered by Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford

Are you a Jewish student who has strong potential for success but limited financial resources to fund your college or graduate school fees? If so,… Show More

Are you a Jewish student who has strong potential for success but limited financial resources to fund your college or graduate school fees? If so, consider applying for the Jewish Community Foundation College Scholarship! The scholarship is open to Jewish students currently enrolled at an accredited institution of higher learning in the United States who are residents of the Greater Hartford, Connecticut region. The scholarship is funded by the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford, an organization that is made possible by generous donors dedicated to encouraging students to follow their dreams by pursuing higher education. Each year, the scholarship awards between $1,000 and $3,000 to help lucky students pay for college and graduate school costs. If you’re passionate about pursuing higher education, we encourage you to apply! Show Less

Hyman P. Moldover Scholarship for Communal Service

Offered by Jewish Social Service Agency

Are you a current or incoming Jewish graduate student living in the metropolitan Washington area? If so, consider applying for the Hyman P. Moldover Scholarship… Show More

Are you a current or incoming Jewish graduate student living in the metropolitan Washington area? If so, consider applying for the Hyman P. Moldover Scholarship for Communal Service! The scholarship is open to Jewish students who have been accepted to full-time graduate programs in Jewish communal service. Applicants must also reside in the Washington metropolitan area and intend to professionally serve the Jewish community after graduation. The scholarship is offered by the Jewish Social Service Agency, a health and social wellness agency that provides services for the local Jewish community. Each year, they award $5,000 to help one lucky recipient fund their graduate education. If you are a Jewish graduate student who would like some help with your tuition, we encourage you to apply! Show Less

Jewish Nonprofit Employee Student Scholarship

Offered by Hebrew Free Loan Association of Washington State

The Jewish Nonprofit Employee Student Scholarship is awarded to a Jewish student who is an employee or child of an employee at a Jewish agency… Show More

The Jewish Nonprofit Employee Student Scholarship is awarded to a Jewish student who is an employee or child of an employee at a Jewish agency in the Puget Sound Region of Washington. Students attending community college, undergraduate, vocational and technical schools and are 25 of age or younger are encouraged to apply. Show Less

Jewish Student Scholarship

The Jewish Student Scholarship is awarded to a graduating high school senior or college student from Washington State who identifies as Jewish. Students who are… Show More

The Jewish Student Scholarship is awarded to a graduating high school senior or college student from Washington State who identifies as Jewish. Students who are attending or planning to attend a community college, undergraduate, vocational or technical school are encouraged to apply. Show Less

Jump ahead to…

How to win scholarships for Jewish students

Resources for jewish students, top fellowships and study abroad opportunities for jewish students, frequently asked questions, additional scholarship categories to explore.

Remember, finding the scholarships is only the first step towards earning your scholarship money! Next, it’s time to start writing out your applications. You’ll want to put your all into each of your applications in order to maximize your chances of winning. 

One of the best ways to do this is through your essay. As these scholarships are aimed towards Jewish students, it’s a good idea to emphasize the importance of your religion and/or heritage in your essays. Be sure to discuss how your Jewish background has influenced you and how you hope to contribute to Jewish communities in the future. You can also discuss how different Jewish principles have influenced your daily life and the broader choices you’ve made. Before you start writing, sit down and do some reflection to see what your relationship with Judaism means to you!

Essay guides

Once you’ve done your reflection, it’s time to start writing! Check out our guide on how to start a scholarship essay , and another on how to write a winning scholarship essay . Here are a few more helpful resources for writing successful scholarship essays:

• How to write an essay about yourself
• Guide to writing a “Why do you deserve this scholarship?” essay
• How to write a 250 word essay
• How to write a 500 word essay

Hillel Jewish Scholarship Portal

This portal is a “one stop shopping” experience for Jewish scholarships and study abroad experiences. Scholarship seekers can search by grade, state/country, and/or study in Israel options. Bookmark this one!

Hillel College Guide to Jewish Colleges

This easy to use portal allows students to search for colleges where there is a sizable population of Jewish students. The most recent listing (2018) includes the top 60 public and the top 60 private colleges/universities based on the percentage of Jewish undergraduate students enrolled.

Your school’s Jewish student union

Many schools have a Jewish student union, which can be a great resource for finding scholarships, getting guidance with classes, and just finding a community at your school. Be sure to check for a Jewish student union at your prospective school and see how you might want to get involved.

Many students seek funding for furthering their education either over the summer or after graduation. With this in mind, we included a number of fellowships for a variety of Jewish Studies majors. For those who are more adventurous, we included opportunities for study abroad in Israel.

• Eligibility: Chicago residents in grades 10, 11 or 12 with financial need
• Amount: Varies
• Deadline: March 1 for Summer, April 15 for Fall, and November 1 for Winter and Spring

Hilda Specter Morgenstern Merit Scholarship 

• Eligibility: Open to female Jewish college students who will study in Israel.
• Amount: $2,500

What else can I do to help fund my education?

The above Jewish scholarships and fellowships are a great start for prospective and current college students to fund their education. In addition to those opportunities, make sure that you explore the following:

• Need-based financial aid from your program, state government, or the federal government. All students should submit the FAFSA to be considered for need-based aid.
• College or institution-specific scholarships. Chances are your college offers scholarships that are specifically for your intended major. Check in with the admissions and financial aid office to see what other opportunities you might be eligible for.

Do I need to be a practicing Jew to qualify for these scholarships?

Each of these scholarships has its own policies regarding who is eligible, so the answer will vary based on the opportunity you are applying for. Some will require that students are studying Judaism, others will require that applicants have a Jewish background, and others will require that students are practicing Jews. Make sure to read the terms of each carefully to determine the answer.

• Top scholarships for women
• Top scholarships for high school seniors
• Easy scholarships to apply for
• Top leadership scholarships
• Top community service scholarships

Join for exclusive scholarships, personalized matching, and application tracking. 0% Spam, 100% Free.

3 reasons to join scholarships360

• Automatic entry to our $10,000 No-Essay Scholarship
• Personalized matching to thousands of vetted scholarships
• Quick apply for scholarships exclusive to our platform

By the way...Scholarships360 is 100% free!

• Israel at war
• Election 2024
• Antisemitism
• Republish our articles
• פֿאָרווערטס

10 Ways To Pay For Your Future In Jewish Studies

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share on Email
• Print Article
• Republish Article

Chalkboard Image by iStock

By Irene Katz Connelly November 17, 2019

Maimonides wrote his “Guide to the Perplexed” about ancient philosophy, but one of the most perplexing questions facing young Jewish scholars today is how to get through graduate school without going into debt. For our readers mulling careers in Judaic Studies, we’ve rounded up ten generous sources of funding and fellowships – so you can worry about your Yiddishkeit, not your utilities.

Center for Jewish History Fellowship

Each year, New York’s Center for Jewish History invites four doctoral candidates to spend a year doing research in its archives and those of its partners, which include the American Sephardi Federation, the American Jewish Historical Society, and the Leo Baeck Institute. Applicants must have completed all aspects of their graduate programs except for the dissertation. The Fellowship provides a $22,500 stipend.

Columbia University Fellowships

Bustling research university Columbia offers a variety of graduate fellowships through its Institute for Israel and Jewish Studies. Students who are concentrating or writing dissertations in fields related to Judaism or the Middle East can apply to the Bloom, Hoffman, and Fromer Fellowships, which provide stipends of unspecified amounts. There are separate sources of funding for summer research and travel, and graduate students can also apply to funded Yiddish summer programs in Tel Aviv and Poland.

Forwarding the News

Thoughtful, balanced reporting from the Forward and around the web, bringing you updated news and analysis of the crisis each day.

Mellon Dissertation Year Fellowship

At Brandeis, the Near Eastern and Judaic Studies program allows graduate students to study a variety of topics, from European Jewish history to today’s Arab world. The university’s Master’s programs also offers joint degrees with subjects such as Gender Studies and Conflict Resolution. Once you’ve reached your dissertation year, you can apply to the Mellon Fellowship, which is open to all graduate students pursuing humanities degrees. The fellowship provides $20,000 in addition to separate summer and research fellowships, and candidates must be in their fifth or sixth year to apply.

Association for Jewish Studies Dissertation Completion Fellowship

The Association of Jewish Studies is dedicated to assisting the doctoral students who will “lead the field of Jewish Studies for decades to come.” Its yearly fellowship is open to any students in the final year of their dissertation and provides not only a stipend but mentorship and public speaking coaching, with each recipient expected to give a public workshop or lecture during the year. Once you’ve finished your dissertation, you can also apply for the Associations generous awards for first books and conference travel.

Wexner Fellowship

Founded in the 1800s to cultivate Jewish community leaders, the Wexner Foundation offers scholarships to graduate students preparing for careers as rabbis, cantors, Jewish professionals, or academics in the field of Jewish Studies. Funding amounts differ, but all scholarship recipients participate in four years of the foundation’s programming, which provides leadership training, mentoring, and networking opportunities.

Yale Post-Doctoral Fellowship

Yale’s Judaic Studies department offers two two-year post-doctoral fellowships, one in Judaic Studies and the other in Jewish Thought. Graduate Fellows teach one course per year and are encouraged to conduct research using the university’s library and collections. With a vibrant Judaic Studies department that includes a Program for the Study of Anti-Semitism and well-funded summer programs, Yale is a great place to pursue a Jewish academic career.

Jewish Community Center Graduate Scholarship Programs

If you’re currently working at the JCC or aspire to do so in the future, you’ll want to consider the organization’s graduate school funding opportunities. Students pursuing degrees in fields relevant to the JCC (including education, health and wellness, and administration) can receive up to $10,000 of funding per year in exchange for working with the JCC for at least two years after graduation. Full-time JCC employees can also apply for tuition assistance at part-time Masters programs.

Todd M. Endelman and Zvi Y. Gitelman fellowships .

These two fellowships provide five years of partial funding and teaching fellowships to students pursuing Judaic Studies degrees at the University of Michigan. They also provide up to $6,000 in funds for summer research and funds for conference attendance.

George Washington Masters in Experiential Education and Jewish Cultural Arts

George Washington’s one-of-a-kind Master’s program includes coursework in education, cultural arts, and museum administration, preparing students for careers in Jewish museums, schools, and cultural institutions. The program focuses on hands-on learning and internship experiences. Donations from the Jim Joseph foundation cover 85% of tuition for many applicants.

University of Chicago Dissertation Year Fellowship

The Windy City’s premier research institution offers a yearlong fellowship with a $27,000 stipend to doctoral candidates writing their dissertations in “any field related to Jewish Studies. But don’t take too long! Graduate students enrolled in the university for more than eight years aren’t allowed to apply to the fellowship.

This article is part of a Forward series on Jewish graduate studies. Find more stories in the series below.

• How Jewish Studies Prepared Me For My Career
• Why Jewish Studies Is More Relevant Than Ever
• 7 Jewish Texts You Must Read — Profs Choose Their Favorites
• Q & A: How Should Jewish Studies Address Anti-Semitism?
• How Jewish Studies Became A Central Part Of American Colleges

Irene Katz Connelly is a staff writer at the Forward. You can contact her at [email protected] . Follow her on Twitter at @katz_conn .

A message from our CEO & publisher Rachel Fishman Feddersen

I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning, nonprofit journalism during this critical time.

Now more than ever, American Jews need independent news they can trust, with reporting driven by truth, not ideology. We serve you, not any ideological agenda.

At a time when other newsrooms are closing or cutting back, the Forward has removed its paywall and invested additional resources to report on the ground from Israel and around the U.S. on the impact of the war, rising antisemitism and the protests on college campuses.

Readers like you make it all possible. Support our work by becoming a Forward Member and connect with our journalism and your community.

Make a gift of any size and become a Forward member today. You’ll support our mission to tell the American Jewish story fully and fairly.

—  Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO

Join our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.

• 2024 elections
• Donald Trump
• Israel-Hamas War
• Kamala Harris

40-year-old indicted for burning Israeli flag at Columbia University protest

Dozens of NYC rabbis urge major Jewish group to support ceasefire and hostage deal

Republicans launch a $10 million ad blitz to boost Jewish support for Trump

Federal grand jury indicts Ohio man for antisemitic assault on DC synagogue

Most popular.

Hersh Goldberg-Polin’s last words are not just Hamas propaganda

Campuses are banning discrimination against Zionists. That’s good news for the pro-Palestinian camp

CNN’s Dana Bash is latest Jewish author targeted by pro-Palestinian activists

A new ad from Jewish Democrats compares Trump to Hitler

In case you missed it, catch up on yiddish events.

Shop the Forward Store

100% of profits support our journalism

Our founder, Ab Cahan

1960s Yiddish hipi hoodie

It's spelled Khanike tee

The Forverts est. 1897 hoodie

Republish This Story

Please read before republishing

We’re happy to make this story available to republish for free, unless it originated with JTA, Haaretz or another publication (as indicated on the article) and as long as you follow our guidelines . You must credit the Forward, retain our pixel and preserve our canonical link in Google search.  See our full guidelines for more information, and this guide for detail about canonical URLs.

To republish, copy the HTML by clicking on the yellow button to the right; it includes our tracking pixel, all paragraph styles and hyperlinks, the author byline and credit to the Forward. It does not include images; to avoid copyright violations, you must add them manually, following our guidelines . Please email us at [email protected] , subject line “republish,” with any questions or to let us know what stories you’re picking up.

We don't support Internet Explorer

Please use Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge to view this site.

Graduate Studies

Jewish Studies is an interdisciplinary field, leveraging coursework and research in numerous degree programs such as History, Religious Studies, Comparative Literature, Slavic Studies, German Studies, English, and Linguistics. Students interested in graduate training in the area of Jewish Studies should apply to the degree program in their chosen field of study. Stanford graduate students in Jewish Studies have gone on to important positions in academia and intellectual leadership and have made innumerable contributions to scholarship and teaching. See a list of alumni publications here.

The Taube Center seeks to foster the next generation of Jewish Studies scholarship and welcomes graduate students from diverse fields to participate in our intellectual community. The Center additionally provides financial support for language study, research, and conference participation (see Funding Opportunities ). 

The Colloquium on Jews, Judaism, and Jewish Culture

An interdisciplinary graduate student colloquium for Stanford graduate students interested in Jewish Studies.

Meeting each quarter, the colloquium brings together graduate students and faculty for guest presentations, discussions, graduate-student talks and other forms of intellectual exchange over dinner. The goal of the colloquium is to create a sense of community among Jewish Studies graduate students, and to generate opportunities for intellectual exchange and professional development.

The colloquium was launched in AY 2012-13, and participants included graduate students and faculty from History, English, Comparative Literature, Religious Studies, German Studies and other units, as well as students from the Education and Jewish Studies concentration in Stanford's Education School.

Who Can Participate?

Any Stanford graduate student or faculty member from any discipline affiliated with the Taube Center or with an academic interest in Jewish Studies.

Graduate students from nearby academic institutions are also welcome too, but sustained participation is strongly encouraged.

For information about the schedule of this year's colloquium, contact sjhammer [at] stanford.edu (sjhammer[at]stanford[dot]edu) .

• Home > Scholarships by Subject > Religion > Judaism

Jewish Scholarship Funding

Helping you towards your degree.

The American Jewish community is philanthropically oriented, and financial aid for Jewish college students is correspondingly easy to find. The first area to check for scholarships if you are a Jewish student, or a student interested in Jewish studies, is the collection of Jewish groups in your area. Try organizations like B’nai B’rith, Hadassah, Jewish war veterans’ clubs, Jewish women’s associations, and so on.

If you volunteer at a Jewish community center, ask your supervisors for recommendations, and consult your rabbi to see what he or she suggests.

Scholarships From Private Organizations

Jewish federations of north america.

A group known as the Jewish Federations of North America sponsors the Federation Executive Recruitment & Education Program (FEREP) scholarships as part of an employee recruitment and development effort. The FEREP awards are made to graduate students in exchange for at least two years of paid work in one of the North American Jewish federations.

Candidates must have a bachelors degree and a GPA of 3.0, and eligible fields of study include non-clinical social work, public administration, and business administration (nonprofit track). That professional orientation must be paired with graduate-level Jewish studies, and the FEREP scholarships bring $20,000 per year for up to two years.

Jewish Community Federation

The Jewish Community Federation lists ten scholarship funds for which college students can apply. Here are three of those options:

• The Marvin Anmuth Scholarship goes to a Jewish student of electrical engineering who lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. Requirements include financial need, a 3.0 GPA, and community leadership, and the award varies between $2,500 and $5,000.
• The Elaine and Barry Gilbert College Scholarship gives between $3,000 and $5,000 to Jewish students who are seniors in high school planning to attend a school in the University of California system. Graduates of either Lowell or Washington High School (San Francisco) receive preference.
• The Gail Karp Orgell Scholarship goes to a female student at a four-year school who has a strong academic history, shows athletic ability, and is known for leadership. The amount ranges from $2,000 to $4,000.

Jewish Community Centers Of North America

The Jewish Community Centers (JCCs) of North America offer a set of graduate scholarships not unlike those handed out in FEREP, meaning they are intended to produce professional employees to work at the JCCs. Graduate students are given as much as $10,000 each year to pursue studies in such fields as nonprofit management, early childhood education, health and physical education, and Jewish studies.

Students will work at a JCC during school (an arrangement like an internship, but called a “field placement”), and must agree to continue employment at a JCC location for at least two years after graduation. Should you fail to secure such employment, the scholarship aid will convert to a loan, albeit one with no interest.

Scholarships For Jewish Studies And Jewish Students

There are a great many scholarships available to students majoring in Jewish studies, as you can see from the stipulations pertaining to FEREP and the JCCs, mentioned above. The following is a small sample of aid distributed through individual colleges and universities.

University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota administers two scholarships reserved for Jewish students. The Bentson Family Scholarship is worth $24,000 over a four-year period, and it considers academic achievement first, including GPA, class ranking, difficulty of coursework, and scores on standardized tests. In addition, other factors may also receive weight, including your particular talents, any personal hardship, and military service.

The Leon & Ida Finkelstein Memorial Scholarship goes to a Minnesota resident, preferably to one who has lost a parent, and the award is based on financial need.

University of Wisconsin-Madison

The Mosse/Weinstein Center for Jewish Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) provides an array of grants, awards, and scholarships to its majors. Here are three of the scholarships:

• The Robert and Beverly Natelson Family Award in Jewish Studies for $3,000 can be given to either an undergraduate or a graduate student, and both academic history and financial circumstances will be considered.
• The Marjorie and Harry Tobias Undergraduate Major/Certificate Scholarship is for financially needy undergraduates, to help ensure they can continue their Jewish studies.
• The Ida and Isaac Lipton Scholarship for Domestic Study goes to students seeking to take courses outside UW-Madison, like a summer term or seminar at another school.

University of North Texas

The University of North Texas provides scholarships through its Jewish studies program, many of which share basic requirements like two reference letters from teachers and submitting a short statement about your scholastic progress. Other common standards are a GPA of 3.0 or above, completion of two major courses, and a written statement of intent to minor in Jewish studies (for undergraduates), and a GPA of 3.25 plus proof of an ongoing Jewish studies dissertation (for graduate students).

Those criteria apply to the Schultz Family Scholarships, the Jay and Kathy Wolens Jewish Studies Scholarships in Memory of Max and Florence Wolens, and the Wisch Family Scholarships, among others.

Scholarships For Study In Or Students From Israel

This special category of scholarship is fairly easy to find, and its goal is to strengthen ties between the two Jewish communities of America and Israel.

Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society

The Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) helps Jews from elsewhere in the world start new lives in the United States. HIAS scholarships go to immigrant students who have been enrolled in American schools for at least a year prior to application. Acceptable study programs include associate, bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees, as well as technical certificates.

NEW: Scholarship search engine : fast, free, no registration required. Try it today!

• Atheism/Agnosticism
• Christianity
• Pagan/Wiccan

Browse Scholarships

• Degree Level
• By Student Type
• Our Scholarships
• Writing an Essay
• Selecting an Essay Topic
• Information Requests
• College Books
• Scholarship Scams
• Management Services
• Tax Credits
• Thank You Letters
• Spam-Free Searching
• Tuition Reimbursement
• College Saving Tips

More Educational Resources

• Financial Planning
• US Department of Education

• School of Arts & Sciences
• College of Arts & Sciences
• Graduate Division
• College of Liberal and Professional Studies

Jewish Studies Graduate Programs

The School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania offers a full spectrum of coursework and programs in Jewish Studies, from Biblical to modern times, and in the multiple dimensions of the Jewish historical and culural experience. Each year over fifty courses are offered in Jewish Studies by more than twenty regular faculty members as well as by distinguished visiting scholars. In line with Penn's intellectual tradition, students receive rigourous training in languages and critical skills as well as in disciplinary methods, and are encouraged to explore interdisciplinary and cross-cultural connection in their studies.

Penn's vibrant graduate program in Jewish Studies allows students to earn degrees in their particular disciplines, while participating in the many activities and scholarships opportunities offered by the Jewish Studies program. Prospective graduate students should apply to the appropriate departments and programs, not directly to Jewish Studies. For example, graduate students specializing in areas of Jewish Studies at Penn often apply to Comparative Literature, History, Near Eastern Languages & Civilizations, Religious Studies, and other departments.

Fellowships & Prizes

The Center for Jewish Studies supports a number of fellowships and prizes for qualified undergraduate and graduate Harvard students, as well as an exchange program for graduate students in Jewish studies with The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. We are also pleased to support and host research scholars, Visiting Professors and Lecturers in Jewish studies from outside Harvard to teach or conduct independent research in Jewish studies on the Harvard campus.

For Harvard Students

The Center for Jewish Studies at Harvard University has limited funds available to support qualified Harvard College students and Harvard GSAS students in Jewish studies with J-term (January) research fellowships, as well as summer study and research fellowships. We award prizes, such as the Selma and Lewis Weinstein Prize for the best undergraduate essay in Jewish studies. We also coordinate an exchange program for graduate students in Jewish studies with The Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

More About Opportunities for Harvard Students

For Scholars From outside Harvard

The Center for Jewish Studies at Harvard University offers two paid stipendiary research fellowships to qualified scholars from outside Harvard by application. We also offer Visiting Professorships by invitation and host qualified unpaid Visiting Scholars and Research Associates in Jewish studies to conduct independent research.

More About Opportunities for Scholars from Outside Harvard

From the Mailbox

Sarah Katerina Corrigan

Ph.D. candidate, Department of Comparative Literature

With the generous support of the Center for Jewish Studies and the Edward H. Kavinoky Fellowship, I was able to spend this summer researching and writing on three critical figures (Franz Kafka, Rainer Maria Rilke, and Paul Celan) examined in my dissertation, “The Language of Lament: Modernism, Catastrophe, and Exile.”

Harvard College ‘22, Comparative Study of Religion

During the summer, through generous funding from the Center for Jewish Studies and the Friends of the Center for Jewish Studies fund, I took part in an introductory Ladino course at the University of Washington.

Rebecca Thau

Harvard College ‘22,  History and Literature/French | Jewish studies

Thanks to the generous support of the Center for Jewish Studies, I spent a month in France conducting archival research for my undergraduate thesis, which focuses on Jacques Derrida and Hélène Cixous’s conceptions of their Jewish and Algerian identities.

Thank You To Our Donors!

If you wish to shape the future of Jewish studies and sustain the Center as an influential, multifaceted enterprise at Harvard – donate to the CJS

Jewish Studies

About the Program

The Designated Emphasis (DE) in Jewish Studies provides curricular and research resources for students who want to concentrate on Jewish Studies within their respective disciplines and have their work formally recognized in their degree designation. Designed to bring together faculty and students from different departments, the DE is administered by the Graduate Group in Jewish Studies and provides a unique context for rigorous cross-disciplinary research. Students applying to the DE must be prepared to integrate high-level research in Jewish Studies into their coursework, qualifying exam, and dissertation.

In keeping with UC Berkeley requirements for a Designated Emphasis, students must be admitted to the DE prior to taking their qualifying exams. We strongly encourage students to attend an informational meeting describing the program in their first year of graduate studies and formally apply for admission to the DE in their second year. The informational meeting takes place in the Fall semester. The application deadline for the DE is in the Fall semester (the exact date is announced each Fall), with admission effective the following Spring semester.

Visit Group Website

To be admitted to the Designated Emphasis in Jewish Studies, an applicant must already be accepted into a PhD program at the University of California, Berkeley. For further information regarding admission to graduate programs at UC Berkeley, please see the  Graduate Division's Admissions website .

Students will be required to fill out an application requesting admission to the DE, listing their prior preparation in the field, and their projected pathway through the program. In addition, they should submit a brief essay stating their academic interests and their reasons for applying, a CV, a writing sample, and a letter of recommendation from a faculty member in the student’s home department indicating why and how the student would benefit from the DE in Jewish Studies.

Designated Emphasis Requirements

Normative time considerations.

Given the flexibility of the program, the completion of the DE will have no impact on Normative Time to degree.

Requirements for Designation

Students admitted to the Designated Emphasis in Jewish Studies must complete the following requirements before applying for their qualifying examination:

• Students will be required to complete the course JEWISH 290 Modern Jewish Scholarship: History and Practice , which will serve as the integrative course for the program regarding methodology and research skills. This course can be offered by any faculty member of the Graduate Group in the DE in Jewish Studies.  Jewish Studies 290 will likely rotate among core faculty. The course topics will thus vary in accordance with the specific expertise of individual faculty member(s). The course is worth 4 units.  The course will be a combination of standard seminar format with shared readings and discussion, and individualized research and writing. The goal of this course is thus two-fold: to build cohort cohesion and intellectual exchange across disciplines, and to provide the necessary intellectual background for top quality scholarship in the field of Jewish Studies. The course will have a strong practical component, including engagement with bibliographical resources and scholarly practices essential to doing work in the field of Jewish Studies. A final paper will be required.   

Students in the DE will also complete three additional course electives related to Jewish Studies, which must be approved by the Graduate Group’s Curriculum Committee. These courses will support the interdisciplinary nature of the program with attention paid to the individual students' research interests. At least one of these courses must be taken in a department outside the student's major area of study or chronological period. In general, electives are graduate seminars offered in any relevant department, but an appropriate upper division undergraduate course may be approved if the student completes a graduate-level assignment for the course. One of the three electives may be fulfilled by repeating  JEWISH 290 , under the condition that the topic of this course differs from the previous  JEWISH 290  they will have taken. Students will be provided a list of potential electives offered by the different departments sponsoring the DE. A student may also petition to the advising committee to approve a course not on the established list.

Examination

A member of the DE Graduate Group in Jewish Studies must be a formal member of the PhD qualifying examination committee. Under most circumstances, the DE graduate group member in the student’s home department will serve in this function. A member of the DE graduate group may also serve as the Academic Senate representative on the qualifying exam committee if they are not a faculty member of the student’s major. A Jewish Studies topic must be included as a subject on the qualifying examination. Satisfactory performance on the qualifying examination for the PhD will be judged according to the established rules in the student’s major program.

Dissertation

A member of the DE Graduate Group in Jewish Studies must be a formal member of the dissertation committee. The dissertation must relate to the field of Jewish Studies.

Faculty affiliated with the DE are Lilla Balint (German); Kenneth Bamberger (Law); Isaac Bleaman (Linguistics); Robert Braun (Sociology);  John Connelly (History); John Efron (History); Ron Hassner (Political Science);  Ethan Katz (History); Duncan MacRae (Ancient Greek and Roman Studies, Berkeley Center for the Study of Religion);  Roni Masel (Comparative Literature); James Porter (Rhetoric) ; Jonathan Sheehan (History); Ronit Stahl (History); Scott Straus (Political Science);  Alan Tansman (East Asian Languages & Cultures); Estelle Tarica (Department of Spanish & Portuguese);  Jason Wittenberg (Political Science).  

JEWISH 200 Advanced Topics in Jewish Studies 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2020, Spring 2019 Graduate seminar will focus on specific areas or topics in Jewish studies through a combination of close reading of texts, student presentation, and informal lectures. Instructors and topics to vary semester to semester. Consult department website for updated course descriptions. Advanced Topics in Jewish Studies: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: Graduate standing or consent of instructor

Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of seminar per week

Additional Format: Three hours of Seminar per week for 15 weeks.

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Jewish Studies/Graduate

Grading: Letter grade.

Advanced Topics in Jewish Studies: Read Less [-]

JEWISH 290 Modern Jewish Scholarship: History and Practice 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2023, Fall 2021, Spring 2021 This seminar, specifically designed as the ‘integrative course’ for students pursuing the Designated Emphasis in Jewish Studies, will offer an in-depth introduction to some of the central trends and personalities in modern Jewish historiography. We will read (and read about) the founders of modern Jewish historiography, and then explore some contemporary trends in Jewish scholarship, according to the disciplinary affiliations of the students in the class. Students will need to write a 5000-word article to complete the course, using a bibliography that includes Jewish Studies materials. A subject-relevant seminar paper from another course may be used to fulfill this requirement, subject to approval by Jewish Studies faculty. Modern Jewish Scholarship: History and Practice: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: This is the required integrative course for doctoral students pursuing the Designated Emphasis in Jewish Studies. It is open to other doctoral students by permission of instructor

Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2-3 hours of seminar per week

Additional Format: Two to three hours of seminar per week.

Instructor: Efron

Modern Jewish Scholarship: History and Practice: Read Less [-]

JEWISH 296 Jewish Studies DE Dissertation Research and Writing Credit 1 - 12 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2011, Fall 2010, Spring 2010 The course is offered to graduate students in the Designated Emphasis (DE) in Jewish studies to provide course credit for conducting dissertation research and dissertation writing, only after the student has successfully advanced to candidacy. Jewish Studies DE Dissertation Research and Writing Credit: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Advancement to doctoral candidacy

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-12 hours of independent study per week

Additional Format: One to Twelve hour of Independent study per week for 15 weeks.

Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.

Instructor: Kronfeld

Jewish Studies DE Dissertation Research and Writing Credit: Read Less [-]

JEWISH 299 Individual Study and Research - Jewish Studies 1 - 5 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2021, Spring 2014, Fall 2012 Topics and instructors will vary depending upon area of study. Special individual study for qualified graduate students only. Individual study and research, including fieldwork, in consultation with instructor on subject matter not covered in scheduled course offerings. Individual Study and Research - Jewish Studies: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Graduate standing and consent of instructor

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-5 hours of independent study per week

Summer: 8 weeks - 1.5-9 hours of independent study per week

Additional Format: One to Five hour of Independent study per week for 15 weeks. One and one-half to Nine hours of Independent study per week for 8 weeks.

Individual Study and Research - Jewish Studies: Read Less [-]

JEWISH 602 Jewish Studies DE Exam Preparation 1 - 8 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2012, Fall 2011, Spring 2011 The course is offered to graduate students in the Designated Emphasis (DE) in Jewish studies to provide opportunities for directed qualifying exam preparation prior to advancement to candidacy. Jewish Studies DE Exam Preparation: Read More [+]

Subject/Course Level: Jewish Studies/Graduate examination preparation

Jewish Studies DE Exam Preparation: Read Less [-]

Contact Information

Center for jewish studies.

4401 Dwinelle Hall

Phone: 510-664-4154

[email protected]

Faculty Director, Center for Jewish Studies

[email protected]

Graduate Advisor, DE in Jewish Studies

John Efron, PhD (Department of History)

[email protected]

Executive Director

[email protected]

Program Coordinator

Jennifer Lipscomb

Phone: 510-664-4138

Print Options

When you print this page, you are actually printing everything within the tabs on the page you are on: this may include all the Related Courses and Faculty, in addition to the Requirements or Overview. If you just want to print information on specific tabs, you're better off downloading a PDF of the page, opening it, and then selecting the pages you really want to print.

The PDF will include all information unique to this page.

Secondary Menu

Funding and opportunities.

The Center for Jewish Studies is pleased to offer a variety of funding opportunities for its undergraduate, graduate and post-doctoral students. 

• The Center for Jewish Studies actively supports undergraduate research and approved study in Israel.
• Graduate study at the Center for Jewish Studies is aimed at interdisciplinary work that thoroughly investigates the rich history and cultural significance of Judaism. Students are encouraged to participate in archeological experiences, as well as study abroad opportunities.
• The Center for Jewish Studies encourages post-doctoral students to apply for a fellowship – focused on research, teaching, and a public lecture.

Funding & Scholarships

Undergraduate research scholars.

Each year a select cohort of undergraduate scholars, pursuing promising independent research, may apply to become a part of the Undergraduate Research Scholars Program in Jewish Studies.

Undergraduate Research Scholars have participated in the following opportunities:

• Travel to Brazil and Amsterdam in order to pursue research on the Judeo-Portuguese diaspora
• Research in New York on Jewish/ African-American post-civil rights relations
• Creation of mobile apps in connection with Computer Science
• Internship at Yad Vashem
• Internship with former Israeli President Shimon Peres
• Research at the Union for Reform Judaism
• Archeological digs in Israel and Jordan
• Study abroad in Israel, Russia, Germany, Poland, Spain, Brazil, Portugal, England, and many other exciting locations

Further information may also be found here . 

Seymour H. Shore Endowment

The Seymour H. Shore Endowment provides support for undergraduate scholarships for students who pursue academic work in the field of Judaic Studies. Scholars will receive funding for their research projects, which may include a senior honors thesis in any relevant discipline. 

Applications from students engaged in independent scholarship or senior thesis research in any aspect of Jewish Studies are welcomed. Potential disciplines may include, but are not limited to: International Comparative Studies, History, Slavic Studies, Computer Science, Germanic Languages and Literatures, Religious Studies, Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (AMES), Cultural Anthropology, Political Science, and Gender, Sexuality & Feminist Studies.

Students are required to submit:

• a one-page proposal of their project
• an estimated budget
• a letter of recommendation from the faculty member overseeing the project

Faculty nominations are also welcome.

All materials should be sent directly to  [email protected]  

• Ostad Fellowship in Jewish Studies

Ostad Fellowships will be awarded for undergraduate research in Jewish Studies; and preference will be given to proposals that focus on Jewish-Muslim relations and/ or women in Sephardic Judaism. Other proposals in Jewish Studies will be considered depending on available funds.

All materials should be sent directly to  [email protected]  with the subject line “Ostad Fellowship.”

Applications are currently being accepted on a rolling  basis.

Carol & Eric Meyers Fellowship for Social Justice and Peace Studies

Fellowships awarded for internship or field of study focused on the themes of social justice and peace. The project should be one that respects and celebrates human rights, inclusiveness and a wide range of views.  This award honors the distinguished careers of  Bernice and Morton Lerner Distinguished Professor Emeritus in Judaic Studies,  Eric Meyers, and  Mary Grace Wilson Professor Emerita of Religious Studies at Duke University, Carol Meyers.   

All materials should be sent directly to  [email protected] .  

In addition to funding opportunities through the  Department of Religious Studies  and  Graduate Studies , the Center for Jewish Studies is pleased to several offer opportunities for the advancement of Graduate Education.

Nathan J. Perilman Fellowship in Judaic Studies

The Perilman Fellowship is offered to incoming graduate students. The fund supporting this grant, our most prestigious fellowship in Jewish Studies, honors the memory of Rabbi Nathan Perilman, who, after serving at Temple Emmanu-El in New York City, joined the Triangle-area Jewish community in his retirement. ( Listing of past and current Nathan J. Perilman Fellowship Recipients ). To nominate a candidate, the Director of Graduate Studies should submit a letter summarizing the candidate's strengths and how proposed research interests contribute to Jewish Studies. A copy of the CV and Statement of Interest should also be forwarded to  [email protected] .

Perilman Summer Stipend

The Perilman Summer Stipend provides funding for doctoral students in Jewish Studies for summer research (maximum of $5,000). Students are required to submit a one-page statement of a proposed summer research agenda and a letter of endorsement from his or her advisor. The specific amount awarded will depend upon previous grants received from the Center for Jewish Studies as well as other fellowships received for the period this award covers. Applications received by December 15 are guaranteed consideration; applications received after that date will be considered according to funds available.

Perilman Research Award

Graduate students in all disciplines that relate to Jewish Studies may apply yearly for a Perilman Research Award of up to $1000.00 per year. Preference will go to students who are presenting relevant papers at conferences, and/or participating in a relevant workshop or panel discussion. Applicants need to send a copy of their proposal, as well as appropriate acceptance/ invitation letter, and a proposed budget to  [email protected] . All expenses should be purchased directly by the Center for Jewish Studies.

Perilman Advanced Doctoral Research Grant 

Students entering their sixth year of doctoral work in Jewish Studies are eligible to apply for grant funding (maximum of $7,000), usually to support completion of the dissertation although other research may be eligible. To apply, students are required to submit a one-page statement detailing a research agenda (usually dissertation topic, current status, plan for completion) for the academic year and a letter of endorsement from his or her advisor or the project  supervisor. The specific amount awarded will depend upon previous grants received from the Center for Jewish Studies as well as other fellowships received for the period this award covers. Applications received by December 15 are guaranteed consideration; applications received after that date will be considered according to funds available.

Perilman Post-Doctoral Fellowship

Applications are currently closed.   The Center for Jewish Studies at Duke University will accept applications for the Perilman Post-Doctoral Fellowship for the 2024-25 academic year.

About the Fellowship:

The Perilman Post-Doctoral Fellowship provides a stipend of $55,000 per year, as well as benefits, for one full year, with a second year possible renewal. The Fellow will be expected to be in residence, to conduct research in Duke's library and archival collections, to participate actively in the intellectual life of the university, to teach three semester courses over two years, and to give a public lecture on their research. The Fellow may not undertake any other sustained teaching or employment during their tenure at Duke. Preference will be given to candidates whose area of research and teaching most enriches the offerings already available on campus and whose presence in the Research Triangle promises the greatest contribution to the faculty and student intellectual community, as well as those for whom the use of the Duke Library holdings and Special Collections will be most profitable. This postdoctoral fellowship honors the memory of Rabbi Nathan Perilman, who, after serving at Temple Emmanu-El in New York City, joined the Triangle-area Jewish community in his retirement.

Priority deadline: January 15, 2024.

Applicants must have earned the PhD within the past 3 years. Advanced doctoral students applying must include a statement from their dissertation supervisor indicating that they will have the Ph.D. in hand by July 1, 2024.

Applicants should submit the following materials electronically at: (link will be posted Fall 2023)

• A letter of intent stating how applicant would use the year to further their research and scholarly publication (not to exceed 5 pages);
• A current CV;
• A writing sample, not to exceed 20 pages;
• Names and contact details of three referees, including one that can speak to applicant's teaching ability;
• A statement of teaching interests (not to exceed 2 pages), syllabi for ONE course, as well as a list of already taught and proposed courses);
• A transcript from the applicant's doctoral-granting institution.

Duke welcomes applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, disability, age, sex, national origin, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other factors as prohibited by law. Previous applicants are eligible to re-apply. Candidates from all American and foreign universities are welcome.

Phone/ Zoom interviews may be conducted for finalists.

Further information about the Duke Center for Jewish Studies may be found at  http://jewishstudies.duke.edu . Further information about post-doctoral services at Duke may be found at:  http://postdoc.duke.edu/ . Please send any questions to [email protected] Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

• Directions & Contact Information
• Learning Objectives
• Jewish Life at Duke
• Humanities at Duke
• Jewish Heritage Foundation of North Carolina
• Duke-Carolina Institute for Jewish Studies
• Spotlight on Undergraduates
• Religious Studies Major
• History & German Majors
• Hebrew Language
• Ph.D. Graduate Program in Religion
• M.A. in Religious Studies
• Post-Doctoral Fellowship
• Study Abroad
• All Courses
• Fall Courses 2024
• Core Faculty
• Affiliated Faculty
• Emeritus Faculty
• Graduate Students
• Collections
• Spotlight on Undergraduate Research: Elliott Davis
• Spotlight on Undergraduate Research: Morghan Cyr
• Spotlight on Undergraduate Research: Samantha Holmes
• Spotlight on Undergraduate Research: Tyler Goldberger
• Spotlight on Summer Conferences
• Research Fellowships in Jewish Studies and the Hebrew Bible
• Location & Travel Information
• What is INIRE?
• CFP: INIRE 2023: In the Name of God: A Voice for War, a Call for Peace
• Common Ground Conference: Anti-Semitism, Zionism and Collaboration
• INIRE 2022: Religion and Immigration
• 2018-19 Academic Events
• 2019-20 Academic Events
• 2021-22 Academic Events
• 2022-23 Academic Events
• 2024–2025 SEMINAR DATES AND SPEAKERS
• Previous years
• 2023- 24 Seminar Dates and Speakers
• 2022-23 Seminar Dates and Speakers
• 2021-22 Seminar Dates and Speakers
• North Carolina Jewish Studies Seminar

• Scholarships

Leve Center Fall/Winter 2024 Scholarship Applications

The UCLA Alan D. Leve Center for Jewish Studies invites UCLA students to submit an application for research, language study, and conference support. Leve Center grants (up to $2,500) can be used for research, conference travel, necessary equipment, and conference registration for students associated with research or study in the field of Jewish Studies including Jewish history, Holocaust studies, archaeology, Sephardic studies, Moroccan Jewish studies, and more.

Leve Center scholarship applications will now be processed through UCLA’s scholarship system . This means that  you will have to register and create your profile, which can be used to apply to current and future opportunities. For questions, please contact [email protected]

Fall/Winter Applications will open after the summer.

REQUIREMENTS: – submit online application by due date – description of research, conference, or project (up to 500 words) – general budget – names and contact info for 2 recommenders (UCLA Professors) – disclosure about other sources of support – home department contact info

NEW APPLICATION PROCESS

• The Leve Center has adopted UCLA’s scholarship portal to manage its grants and scholarships so that it aligns with the university’s scholarship application process.
• Please note that the initial process of creating a profile (general application) is lengthy. Please set aside 30-60 minutes to complete it. Having said that, answers can be brief in the general application as the selection committee will only be looking at information provided in the specific applications.
• By creating this profile, you will be able to see all Leve Center scholarships and other opportunities across campus at ucla.academicworks.com
• Please feel free to contact the Leve Center if you have any questions about the process: [email protected]

UCLA Graduate Students

Maurice Amado Research Grant in Sephardic Studies (Graduate)

Sara & Chaskel Roter Research Travel Grant (Graduate)

Sarah and Eugene Zinn Memorial Scholarship for Holocaust Studies & Social Justice (Graduate)

UCLA Undergraduate Students

Maurice Amado Research Grant in Sephardic Studies (Undergraduate)

Ted & Kathleen Buchalter Centennial Scholars Award in Jewish Understanding (Undergraduate)

Sarah and Eugene Zinn Memorial Scholarship for Holocaust Studies & Social Justice (Undergraduate)

Dr. Sigmund and Hermine Frey Undergraduate Scholarship (Undergraduate)

Robert and Maxine Halem Jewish Studies Scholarship (Undergraduate)

Additional funding opportunities available at the Y&S Nazarian Center for Israel Studies

• Press Releases
• Leve Center Affiliates
• Fellows & Postdocs
• Advisory Boards
• In Memoriam
• Working Group in Jewish Studies (UCLA Graduate Students)
• Major or Minor in Jewish Studies
• Class Schedule
• Student Leadership Council
• UCLA Research Hub on Antisemitism
• Holocaust Studies
• Sephardic Studies
• Moroccan Jewish Studies
• The Haredi Research Group
• Ancient World and Rabbinics
• Mapping Jewish L.A.
• Hinda and Jacob Schonfeld Boyle Heights Project
• UCLA Sephardic Archive Initiative
• Mediterranean Jewish Studies
• Yiddish Studies
• UC Press Series in Jewish History and Cultures
• Upcoming Events
• Alan D. Leve Center Sponsorship Request
• Newsletter & Calendar
• Alan D. Leve Center Events Database

Jewish/Judaism Scholarships

Browse our Jewish/Judaism Scholarships or get matched to college scholarships you qualify for.

UCL Hebrew & Jewish Studies

MPhil & PhD Research Degrees

The MPhil and PhD are research degrees for candidates with a suitable academic background who wish to pursue independent research under the supervision of a specialist in the field.  The department admits candidates only if there is a member of staff who can provide the requisite supervision and assistance. In the first instance, potential applicants should consult with the Graduate Tutor.

PhD study is three years full-time or five years part-time. Candidates are expected to carry out an independent research project, based in part on primary source material. MPhil candidates ordinarily submit their qualifying work in the form of a thesis of approximately 80,000 to 100,000 words in length.

The PhD dissertation should be based substantially on primary source material and must make a substantial and original contribution to the candidate's area of study.

Research Areas

We are a multi-disciplinary department with expertise across the whole field of Jewish studies, ranging from history (ancient to modern) and political science to language (all phases of Hebrew, several other Semitic languages and Yiddish), literature, and gender issues. Research activities in the department include:

• Arab-Israeli conflict
• Eastern European Jewish history and culture
• Gender issues in modern Israeli literature
• Israeli studies
• Itzik Manger: Balladeer
• Grammar of 19th-century Hasidic Hebrew
• Jewish Science and Technology
• Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Studies
• Jewish Calendar
• Perceptions of ‘Jewish criminality’ in Germany
• The Jewish mystical tradition.

Application

Entry requirements.

A Master's degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard, and a demonstrated knowledge of Hebrew or Yiddish, or another language appropriate to the research proposal.

English level expected: Good

Applicants are accepted in the first instance for the MPhil degree only. The Graduate Tutor, in consultation with the candidate's thesis Supervisor, will decide when and whether or not to convert the registration to the PhD category.

Applicants should have an arts or social science degree with at least upper second-class Honours from a UK university (or an equivalent overseas qualification), and a demonstrated knowledge of Hebrew or Yiddish, or another appropriate language.

Candidates for research degree may begin their programme at the beginning of either of the two teaching terms (i.e. September/October or January). Prior to applying for a research degree, candidates should consult with the Graduate Tutor, who will advise them on the availability of research supervision within the department.

Three Wolfson Postgraduate Scholarships in the Humanities will be available for PhD students starting in 2014 in the area of literature, language and history

Scholarships available

Rothschild scholarship, hester.

For research students in their final year of study in the Department of Hebrew & Jewish Studies. This award is based on academic merit. There is no application procedure; all eligible students will be automatically considered by the Department of Hebrew & Jewish Studies.

Arnaldo Momigliano Scholarship in Arts

For students of the Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa who wish to apply to UCL as an affiliate student for a graduate research programme in any Department of the Faculty of Arts & Humanities. Students must contact authorities of the Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa in order to be nominated. This scholarship is based on academic merit. This award was founded in 1989 to commemorate the work of Arnaldo Momigliano, KBE, FBA, Professor of Ancient History at UCL (1951-75) by his daughter, Professor Laura Lepschy.

Full details of funding opportunities can be found on the UCL Scholarships website

Employability

Our graduates find a wide range of career paths open to them and consequently can be found in most industries in the UK and overseas.

The department has a strong culture of collaborative research and brings together researchers (whether staff or students) from across UCL as well as other institutions and organisations. Crucial to this are our research groups and centres, which provide a focus for our research activity, including doctoral students, post-docs and staff with specific research interests. Most doctoral students are attached to one (or more) of these groups and will be encouraged to get involved in the research seminars, visiting speakers, annual lectures, visits and other activities which these centres organise regularly. The centres also facilitate online interaction through blogs and Twitter feeds.

In recent years, several students who have graduated from our research programmes have embarked on careers in academia. Others have taken jobs in journalism, for the United Nations, with non-governmental organisations, international think-tanks in Brussels and London, and in the diplomatic service.

Non-Residents

Under exceptional circumstances, members of the UCL Hebrew & Jewish Studies can direct the research projects (towards either the MPhil or PhD programmes) of students who are not resident in the United Kingdom. This is called the "Non-Resident Programme" (NRP).

To enroll in the NRP, candidates must satisfy a number of criteria:

• They must possess a First Class or a good Upper Second Class British degree in an appropriate subject, or a foreign equivalent (for example, an American GPA of A-)
• They must demonstrate knowledge of the appropriate language(s) they will require to pursue their research.
• Applicants who are non-native speakers of English must demonstrate proficiency in English.( View UCL Language Proficiency Requirements ).
• They must demonstrate that they have access to the resources necessary to carry out their research. Ideally, they should be able to access to the facilities of an appropriate research institution, for example, a national library or archive, or a university research library.
• They must submit a detailed programme of research to their prospective research director.
• The candidate is required to meet in person with their research director (at any venue) at least once a term, or twice an academic year.
• The candidate must maintain the UCL Graduate Research Log.
• The degree can only be pursued on a part-time basis. This is normally five years in length for both the MPhil and PhDs. The upgrade from MPhil to PhD status normally takes place in the third year.
• Students are not able to claim Continuing Research Status (CRS--non-fee paying status) at the end of five years.
• In all other respects, students registered in the NR Programme are subject to the same regulations as all other internal students of UCL.
• Students may begin their programme of research at the start of either the first or the second academic term, but not the third.
• Fees for the programme are the same as for part-time resident research students, depending on their status as UK/EU or non-UK/EU students

Applications

Prospective candidates should ensure that they meet all of the above qualifications for this degree, because no exceptions can be made to the regulations.

If they wish to explore the possibility of NRP status, they should contact the Graduate Tutor at [email protected] using the Subject Line: "Graduate Tutor - NRP"

The Graduate Tutor will decide if the applicant meets the requirements and will put them in touch with a prospective supervisor.

Current research student profiles  

Ongoing departmental research

• Scholarships & Funding (Overview)
• UK/EU students (Undergraduate)
• International students (Undergraduate)
• Scholarships & Awards (Graduate)

Register your interest in UCL