Robin Broder

Albert A. List College of Jewish Studies

A fourth-year student at the Albert A. List College of Jewish Studies of The Jewish Theological Seminary, Robin Broder wound up at JTS as the result of a whim.

Robin, who is currently finishing up the Double Degree Program with majors in Jewish Women’s Studies (List College) and Urban Studies and Environmental Science (Barnard), recalls, “I was visiting Barnard, but decided to stop in at JTS after hearing about it from United Synagogue Youth (USY) and my family. The program was intriguing, so I applied.”

Once at JTS, Robin quickly realized she had made the best decision. “The Double Degree Program is unique and vaunted, and I like the small and personal atmosphere of JTS. My advisers know my name, as well as my passions and history.”

The classes at JTS have been eye-opening and educational for Robin. “Reflections of Eve opened my eyes to an entirely new way to talk about the Bible and poetry. We used as many forms of learning as possible,” she says.

In addition to the impactful classes, Robin also appreciates how the curriculum can work together to impart new ways of thinking. “I took Ancient Jewish History along with Jewish Philosophical Texts and a Bible class; taking those three together gave me a great foundation for learning about the Jewish people and our origins,” she says.

While many students study in Israel for a semester, Robin opted for the Far East. “I went on a program with IES, the Institute for the International Education of Students, through Barnard, and had an internship at a three-person architecture firm,” says Robin. That experience not only supplemented her fluency in Japanese, but allowed her to work with influential women, which she relished.

Robin also revels in the friendships she has fostered outside of class. “I found that I have a family of friends with whom I can celebrate Shabbat,” she says, “They are also wonderful cooks who prepare terrific food for Shabbat dinner.”

Looking ahead, Robin plans to become an environmental engineer, “working with renewable energy, the electric car, and infrastructure challenges.” With degrees from List College and Barnard University, Robin has a bright future close at hand.