Professors
Alan Mintz, Jewish Literature
Raymond Scheindlin, Jewish Literature
Burton L. Visotzky, Talmud and Midrash
Associate Professors
Eliezer Diamond, Talmud and Rabbinics
Robert A. Harris, Bible and Ancient Semitic Languages
Boaz Tarsi, Jewish Music and Hazzanut
Eitan Fishbane, Mysticism, Hassidism
Visiting Professor
Reuven Hammer
Senior Lecturers
Samuel Barth, Program Adviser
Nancy Abramson, Music, Nusah
The program in Jewish Liturgy is interdepartmental, designed to introduce students to the development, genres, and themes of Jewish liturgical text, expression, and experience from ancient times to the present. Every year, a variety of courses in liturgy and related fields are offered. The study of liturgical texts with classical commentaries and the application of contemporary scholarship remains a pillar of liturgical study. Many course offerings engage also with liturgical experience that is "beyond the text" exploring such issues as
Degrees
Bachelor of Arts
Doctor of Hebrew Literature
Doctor of Philosophy
Bachelor of Arts
Admission Requirements
View the List College Admissions page.
Degree Requirements
Currently under active revision. Interested students should consult with the Program Adviser.
From the Core Curriculum
For a major in Liturgy and Synagogue Studies
At least 6 credits (2 courses) of the following:
• Whichever of LTG 5175 or LTG 5333 not taken for the above requirement
• LTG 7031: History of the Development of Liturgy
• A Talmud or Codes course on halacha about Liturgy
• A course on piyyut
• A course on evolution of personal prayer
• A course on Psalms or other Biblical texts included in the liturgy
• 15 credits (5 courses) chosen in consultation with the adviser in areas relevant to liturgy, synagogue, or ritual studies. Some examples include:
History of Synagogue Architecture
• A course on ritual theory at Columbia or Barnard
• A course on ethnomusicology at Columbia or Barnard
• A course in nusach
• A course on Shabbat Zemirot or Art Song
• A course on commentaries to the prayerbook
• A course on the history of synagogues
• 3 credits (1 course) senior/capstone seminar
Doctor of Hebrew Literature
Admission Requirements
See the Graduate School Admissions page. Additionally, an MA in Jewish Studies is recommended.
Degree Requirements
Courses
In addition to courses required of all students in The Graduate School, 30 graduate credits beyond the MA are required. They must be advanced courses related to the field of Liturgy. A list of courses approved for credit each year will be available in the office of the adviser. All course selections must be approved by the adviser.
Comprehensive Examination
Upon satisfactory completion of all course work, students must take an oral examination based upon a prescribed reading list of primary and secondary sources related to their areas of interest.
Dissertation
Students must complete an original monograph-length dissertation on a topic in liturgy. After consultation with the dissertation adviser, the title and outline must be submitted to the adviser for approval before beginning research.
Doctor of Philosophy
Admission Requirements
See the Graduate School Admissions page. Additionally, an MA in Jewish Studies is recommended.
Degree Requirements
Languages
In addition to languages required of all students in The Graduate School, students must demonstrate proficiency in Aramaic and any other languages deemed necessary based on the students' areas of interest.
Courses
In addition to courses required of all students in The Graduate School, 30 graduate credits are required as follows:
All course selections must be approved by the adviser.
Comprehensive Examination
Upon satisfactory completion of all course work, students must take an oral examination demonstrating knowledge of the designated reading list and another liturgical tradition.
Dissertation
A major original piece of research.
Search for LTG courses. the Course Catalog