About the Department

עברית

What is the Multidisciplinary Department of Jewish Studies?

The Multidisciplinary Department of Jewish Studies at Bar-Ilan University allows students to take courses across various departments within the Faculty of Jewish Studies. These include:

  • Bible, Talmud, Jewish History

  • Hebrew & Semitic Languages

  • Jewish Literature (Hebrew, Yiddish, Ladino)

  • Jewish Philosophy

  • Land of Israel Studies & Archaeology

  • Jewish Art & Middle Eastern Studies

This unique framework enables students to create an individualized curriculum that reflects their personal academic interests within Jewish Studies.

 

The department offers two distinctive programs:

  • Cramim – An interdisciplinary honors program that provides an immersive study of Jewish history, culture, literature, language, and philosophy. This program is designed to develop a deep, holistic understanding of Jewish Studies by also introducing related disciplines. Eligible students receive full tuition scholarships.

  • Jewish Culture – A hybrid program that offers students a broad understanding of Jewish culture through the lens of contemporary issues in Israel and world Jewry.

 

Why study in the Multidisciplinary Department of Jewish Studies?

The Faculty of Jewish Studies at Bar-Ilan University is the largest and most varied of its kind worldwide, offering courses from nine specialized departments. Students in the Multidisciplinary Department benefit from:

  • Cross-disciplinary learning that integrates multiple areas of Jewish Studies

  • Personal academic guidance from senior faculty members

  • A rich, diverse academic experience that blends disciplines and fields

 

Internationally-Recognized Faculty

BIU’s Faculty of Jewish Studies is home to some of the world’s leading scholars. Students in the Multidisciplinary Department have the opportunity to study closely with top experts in various fields, gaining access to groundbreaking research and academic resources.

 

 

Study Structure in the Multidisciplinary Department of Jewish Studies

The program offers flexibility in course selection:

  • Major in Jewish Studies or pursue a double major combining Jewish Studies with another field

  • Choose from introductory and advanced courses in three or four of the nine departments within the Faculty

  • Select from a wide range of elective courses