Admissions

Rabbi Mordecai Schwartz, Director of Admissions
Phone: (212) 678-8817
Email: moschwartz@jtsa.edu

For a glimpse into The Rabbinical School's dynamic and inspirational experience, watch our video.

If you would like to receive more information about The Rabbinical School, submit the web-based contact form

Come Meet With Us

We encourage you to learn more about The Rabbinical School of The Jewish Theological Seminary and welcome inquiries from Jews of all ages.

Preliminary discussions with potential candidates are a required part of the application process. It is best if these conversations with the director of admissions take place at least six months to one year before applying to The Rabbinical School.

Contact us at (212) 678-8817 or rabschool@jtsa.edu to arrange your preliminary discussion.

Prospective Students

Basic Personal Criteria:

• Must be Jewish and living in accordance with Conservative Judaism (converts must have completed conversion two years prior to enrollment)
• Observe Shabbat and festival practices
• Observe regular prayer with tallit and tefillin, dietary laws, Talmud Torah (regular Jewish study), and acts of gemilut hasadim (commitment to public service)
• Women candidates are required to accept the principle of "equality of obligation" for the mitzvot from which women have been traditionally exempt, including tallit, tefillin, and tefillah.

Basic Academic Criteria:

• Undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university with a strong academic record
• Advanced language and communication skills in English
• Basic Hebrew proficiency (Applicants are required to take at least two semesters of college Hebrew or its equivalent. Applicants with advanced Hebrew and text skills may be exempted from the Mekhinah year)

We recognize that applicants may be on the path to deepening their Jewish commitments. Deans and advisers are available to provide religious guidance to students at any time.

We recommend a strong liberal arts background for prospective students: the study of history, philosophy, religion, literature, and the social or natural sciences can be excellent preparation for rabbinical school. Previous academic achievement is one of the most important criterion for admission, since scholarly ability is essential for the rabbinate.

Dual Degree Opportunities:

Students have the opportunity to expand and tailor their learning experience by crafting individualized study tracks at JTS and neighboring institutions, including Columbia University, Union Theological Seminary, and Teachers College.

Students earn a master of arts degree as part of The Rabbinical School program, and those interested in PhD, DHL, EdD, or MA programs can also apply to The Graduate School or the William Davidson Graduate School of Jewish Education. Credits earned in The Rabbinical School may be applied toward these degrees.

Ready to apply?

The Rabbinical School Students