Judaic Studies: Culture, History, Religion, Languages of Judaism.
The subject of Judaic Studies encompasses the languages, history, religion, and culture of Jewish communities from their beginnings to the present day. Due to its diverse linguistic, geographical, historical, religious, and social connections, the field integrates various academic disciplines (e.g., history, literature studies, philosophy, legal history, art, etc.) and specialized areas (such as the Bible and Talmud, as well as sociology of diaspora communities).
By combining philological education with broad foundational knowledge in Jewish history and culture, along with in-depth studies in specific focus areas, the Judaic Studies program establishes the groundwork for a qualified and academically rigorous engagement with Judaism. Proficiency in Hebrew across its various linguistic stages—from Biblical Hebrew to modern Hebrew—is essential, as is an understanding of late antique and early medieval rabbinic literature.
The courses offered aim to familiarize students with the trajectory of Jewish history and cultural history, analyze core texts of Jewish tradition, and explore diverse aspects of Judaism through exemplary topics from various sub-disciplines.
Frankfurt’s Judaic Studies program is distinguished by its focus on the cultural history of European Judaism from the Middle Ages to the modern age. To provide students with early access to current research, different methodological approaches are introduced and thoroughly explored in the preparatory seminar for the BA thesis.
Additional highlights of the Frankfurt program:
- A wide range of language options related to Judaism: Yiddish, Judeo-Spanish, Lithuanian, and Arabic.
- Opportunities to study Jewish religious philosophy through collaboration with the Martin Buber Professorship, as well as the history and impact of the Holocaust through partnerships with the Holocaust Professorship and the Fritz Bauer Institute.
The program design includes the option to spend part of the studies abroad, leveraging the extensive international connections of Frankfurt faculty members.
The required internship can be completed either at an external institution or within a research project conducted by Frankfurt’s Judaic Studies department.