Context





Understanding our past.
Contextualizing the present.
Facing the future.

Context is the flagship program of The Institute for Jewish Learning.

Register online for Context courses.

Register for the two-year program by August 10, and receive a free copy of The Jewish Study Bible. Contact the office for details.

 

About the Context Program:

Context, which is purposefully designed to be an intellectual journey, is guided by leading Judaic Studies scholar-teachers from a variety of academic institutions, and provides a sophisticated understanding of Jewish history and thought. It offers students a "context" within which to understand the Jewish past, refine their personal approach to the challenges of contemporary Jewish life, and develop their unique and informed outlook toward the Jewish future.

Context is a four-semester program conducted over two years. The curriculum explores the span of Jewish civilization and focuses on two major themes:

  • Jewish Texts and Interpretation (Year I)
    • The Bible
    • Rabbinic Texts
  • Jewish Cultures and Communities (Year II)
    • Jews in the Medieval World
    • Jews in the Post-Enlightenment World

Each semester consists of eight academic sessions. The calendar includes a monthlong break in January.

See an overview of the Context curriculum.

Core Values

Context is built upon the following core values:

Access: Top-quality Jewish Studies programming should be accessible to all members of the Jewish community. Educational materials are made available online wherever possible to keep costs low. Need-based scholarships and payment plans are available

Faculty Excellence: Our eminent instructors are drawn from an array of leading academic institutions, both secular and religious. Each has a demonstrated passion for adult Jewish learning.

Autonomy: Each student's intellectual autonomy is highly valued and respected. Similarly, instructors bring their own expertise and approach to the material, creating their syllabi in concert with the overarching program curriculum.

Community: Community-based education can be a galvanizing force. Context can be delivered through multi-institutional collaboratives that transcend denominational boundaries as well as by individual institutions. Partner institutions will share the hosting of the four-semester program.

Logistical Excellence: Context is run by an experienced team of educational administrators who specialize in adult Jewish learning.

Information Sessions

Context Information Sessions are held in the spring for two-year classes that begin in fall 2012. Note: Two new events on September 6 and 9, 2012 Click here for the current schedule.

Each of these free sessions features a mini-lesson taught by a member of the Context faculty.

Information sessions are open to any interested person. You may enroll in Context at the location most convenient for you.

If you would like to be added to our email list, please contact us at context@jtsa.edu or (212) 870-5850.