Melton Blended Jewish Education

With the changing reality of Jewish life in the Diaspora, the Melton Centre for Jewish Education is moving in new directions to adapt to these changes and to offer solutions to strengthen Jewish education in communities abroad. 

Using the M.A. track offered at the Melton Centre as a strong base, we have developed a blended On-Site and Distance MA Program (non-research intended for students’ resident overseas) in Jewish Education, which is offered to Jewish educators in Jewish communities around the world.  The program is designed for educators in both formal and informal frameworks who are interested in Jewish Education and its dialogue with the Social Sciences, Educational Philosophy, and Jewish and Israel Studies.  Studies integrate on site and distance learning elements and require 40 credits for graduation.  

The principal advantage of this program is that Jewish educators abroad who, for various reasons are not able to spend a long period in Jerusalem, will have the opportunity to study with Melton Centre faculty and enjoy the unique academic resources of the Hebrew University. In addition, an MA degree in Jewish Education from the Hebrew University has a competitive edge over courses offered by other institutes in terms of the academic level and prestige.

Program Structure

The program consists of 40 credits of which 14 credits will be offered on site at the Hebrew University and 26 credits will be offered as distance courses.

Participants must submit two seminar papers. One seminar paper must be related to a course taught on site at the university.

The program may approve up to 4 credits taken outside the Jewish Education track either from among other Hebrew University distance courses or from universities recognized for credit by the Hebrew University. Prior approval must be obtained for courses outside the Jewish Education track.

Program Focuses

The Program has three main focuses: the first one is the Philosophy, the Sociology and the Psychology of Jewish Education and Israel Education.

This focus deals with the great issues in Jewish Education and Israel Education: Who is the educated person and who, the educated Jew? Which are the goals of Jewish Education and how can we adapt them to the issues we face today? What is the role of the Jewish educator, and how can the institution help him? What is the place of Israel in Jewish Education? How must the relations between Jewish School and Israel be?  What is the role of the Zionism in our times?

The second focus is on the teaching of Jewish texts. This focus deals with the teaching of Biblical and Talmudic texts. In the program, a few lecturers will give examples of different texts, how to analyze them in order to give the participant the necessary tools to deal with them and teach them in schools and communities. In the courses, participants will learn about different perspectives, like Philosophy of the Child, Levinas’ ethical perspective, and others. This focus is theoretical and practical, because studies involve both the fundamentals of all perspectives, and practical examples that could be implemented in the field.

The third focus is on leadership and innovation in Jewish Education. In this focus, participants will analyze their own personal vision of Jewish Education as well as their institutional vision. In the program, they will study several theories that will help them to reflect on their own Jewish educational vision. Vision, innovation and Leadership are the three main components of this focus. 

Requirements For Acceptance Are As Follows:
1. A GPA of 3.0 or the equivalent of 80 in an undergraduate degree in Education
or in a relevant Behavioral Science or Liberal Arts major. Candidates with
insufficient background in Jewish Studies and/or Education may be required to
take additional prerequisite courses.
2. Current or past involvement and experience in formal or informal Jewish
education.
3. A letter of recommendation from an educator or educational institution.
4. English Proficiency: Non Native English Speakers require proof of English proficiency. This can be one of the following:

• English Language exemption certificate from academic institution which teaches in English.
• TOEFL certificate (90 points or higher)
• IELTS certificate (7 points or higher).

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem offers a range of financing options to support students enrolled in the Melton Blended Jewish Education program. Scholarships are available for outstanding students based on academic achievement, leadership qualities, and financial need. These scholarships aim to reduce the financial burden and enable qualified students to pursue their studies without undue hardship. Additionally, the university provides various grants and financial aid packages tailored to support students from diverse backgrounds, including those from underrepresented or economically disadvantaged communities. Students are encouraged to apply for government loans and external funding sources, which can supplement the financial support provided by the university. The university also collaborates with philanthropic organizations and Jewish community initiatives that offer specific funding opportunities for programs like Melton Blended Jewish Education. Payment plans are often available, allowing students to spread their tuition payments over several installments throughout the academic year. Moreover, some students may qualify for work-study programs, enabling them to work part-time on or off-campus to support their studies financially. The university’s financial aid office provides detailed guidance and counseling to help students identify and apply for appropriate funding options. It is recommended that students begin exploring these options early in their application process to maximize their chances of securing financial support. Overall, the combination of internal scholarships, external grants, loans, and work opportunities ensures that students enrolled in the Melton Blended Jewish Education program have access to comprehensive financial support, making their educational journey more accessible and affordable.

The Melton Blended Jewish Education program at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is an innovative academic offering designed to provide comprehensive Jewish studies education through a flexible, hybrid learning model. This program caters to students worldwide who seek to deepen their understanding of Jewish history, culture, religion, and traditions while balancing their personal and professional commitments. The program integrates online coursework with in-person seminars and interactive sessions held at the university’s facilities, allowing students to benefit from expert instruction and peer engagement in a dynamic educational environment.

Typically, the curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including Biblical studies, Jewish law (Halacha), philosophy, history, and ethics, aiming to promote a well-rounded knowledge of Jewish heritage and contemporary issues. The program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and practical applications of Jewish concepts in everyday life. Students are often encouraged to participate in community projects and Jewish cultural activities, enhancing their experiential learning and fostering a strong sense of Jewish identity and community involvement.

The program is suitable for a diverse cohort, including educators, community leaders, and anyone interested in Jewish studies, regardless of their previous background. It usually features a combination of asynchronous online modules, live webinars, and occasional local retreats or workshops. The duration of the program varies, but it generally spans two years for full-time students, with options for part-time enrollment.

Graduates of the Melton Blended Jewish Education program receive a certification, signifying their proficiency in Jewish knowledge and their readiness to serve as educators or community organizers. The program aims to produce informed, engaged, and competent leaders capable of making meaningful contributions to Jewish education and community life globally. The Hebrew University’s renowned faculty members, many of whom are leading scholars in their respective fields, bring a depth of expertise and a commitment to high academic standards. Overall, the Melton Blended Jewish Education program exemplifies the university’s dedication to innovative, accessible, and impactful Jewish studies education worldwide.