Take Your Education to the Next Level
3/5/18

A BA or Minor in Jewish Studies provides students with a comprehensive view of Jewish thought, history and life.

The Levinas Philosophy Summer Seminars
4/30/18

The annual Levinas Philosophy Summer Seminars bring together scholars from across the globe for discussion of Emmanuel Levinas, one of the most original and important philosophers of the 20th century.

Conduct Research with Faculty Experts
3/5/18

Our faculty are widely published and internationally recognized for their work in the study of ethics, gender, history, literature, philosophy and politics.

Attend Lectures and Community Events
3/5/18

Join us for one of our visiting scholar or community lecture series, as well as symposiums, seminars and more!

Graduate Program in Jewish Thought
6/30/23

Graduates of the Master of Arts in Jewish Thought program will contribute to the development of new ways of thinking in a truly interdisciplinary perspective, while rooting itself in the rigorous study of the Jewish intellectual tradition.​

 

Study Modern and Classical Hebrew
3/5/18

Develop language skills in modern Hebrew for conversation and classical Hebrew to read ancient texts in their original language.

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What is Jewish Thought?

Jewish Thought is for students from all walks of life.

MA in Jewish Thought

Prepare for advanced research in Jewish texts

BA in Jewish Studies

Dive deep into the Jewish intellectual tradition.

Minor in Jewish Studies

Complement a major in art, history, philosophy and more.

Scholarships and Awards

Undergrad and grad funding!

The Department of Jewish Thought is dedicated to studying Judaism as an intellectual, ethical and literary tradition, highlighting its importance to the development of Western civilization from antiquity until today. We work to foster inquiry and expand knowledge through scholarship and instruction that makes this tradition available to broader humanities.

Call for Applications

Apply to participate in the “Levinas as Educator” Levinas Philosophy Summer Seminar, held June 29 to July 3, 2026, at Vilnius University in Lithuania. The application deadline is April 15, 2026.

Learn how to apply

Department News

  • Dolgopolski to Explore the Politics of Disagreement at Global Talmud Workshop
    9/5/25
    UB Jewish Thought professor Sergey Dolgopolski will join the global Talmud workshop in Antwerp this fall, exploring how ancient traditions of disagreement can illuminate today’s political and cultural conflicts.
  • M.A. Student, Anthony Catanese, Selected to Participate in Prestigious Showcase!
    9/5/25
    Anthony Catanese, M.A., the department’s 2024 Masters Program in Jewish Thought graduate was selected to present his thesis, “An Archeology of Monotheism”  at the "20th Annual Celebration of Student Academic Excellence Student Showcase."
  • Professor Azzan Yadin-Israel's David Blitzer Event!
    9/5/25
    On March 4 and 5 2024, as a part of David Blitzer Lectures Series, Professor Azzan Yadin-Israel of the Rutgers University Departments of Jewish Studies and Classics delivered a seminar on the “The Status of the Forgotten: Plato, Freud, Talmud, and Beyond” and a lecture on the topic of “The Forbidden Fruit: The Mystery Solved.” 
  • Professor Sergey Dologpolski to participate in book panel: "When Jews Argue: Between the University and the Beit Midrash"
    9/5/25
    March 22 @ 10:00 am - 11:30 am
  • Professor Sergey Dolgopolski's presents new co-edited volume!
    9/5/25
    "When Jews Argue" coming October 2023!

Apply Today

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Mourning the loss of Gordon Gross