Admissions

Bruchim Ha'baim! Arriving at this webpage represents a significant "click" forward in your Jewish journey.

The decision to study for the rabbinate is a serious one, but one that holds great excitement and opportunity. The chance to serve the Jewish community in such a rapidly changing environment is a thrilling and sacred task, and we at JTS are eager to help prepare you. Our world-class faculty, engaging students, and New York City location will all add to the depth and breadth of your rabbinic training.

On the pages below, you will find the information that you need to apply for admission to The Rabbinical School. Feel free to call with any questions you may have or simply to say hello and introduce yourself.

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 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 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.)

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.

Basic Personal Criteria:

The Rabbinical School recognizes that prospective candidates may be at different points in their religious and spiritual journeys. The following list of religious commitments is an ideal. We hope that all of our students will achieve these goals over the course of the program.

• Belief that Torah—written and oral—is the inspired and authoritative guide to Jewish life
• Commitment to lifelong study of classical and contemporary works of Torah
• Commitment to grant equal opportunity for men and women to study Torah, participate in the mitzvot, and assume leadership positions in the Jewish community
• Commitment to study Halakhah L'ma'aseh, the evolving path of conduct that expresses the values and norms of the covenant between God and Israel
• Committed, questioning, and loving engagement with God
• Commitment to traditional communal prayer throughout the day, starting with tallit and tefillin at weekday Shaharit
• Commitment to observing kashrut
• Commitment to observing Shabbat and festivals
• Commitment to holiness in relationships, including halakhic and ethical parameters of sexual intimacy
• Commitment to uphold the Rabbinical Assembly's Standards of Rabbinic Practice
• The practice of honest, ethical, and compassionate behavior towards other people
• Responsibility for the welfare of one's fellow Jews
• Advocacy for a peaceful future for the State of Israel and its inhabitants

At the time of application, candidates must demonstrate that they are growing into these observances. We recognize that religious growth is not necessarily a linear progression. We hope to provide a safe space for students as they grow more Jewishly observant.

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 are required to apply to The Graduate School, the William Davidson Graduate School of Jewish Education, or the H. L. Miller Cantorial School. Credits earned in The Rabbinical School may be applied toward these degrees.

Ready to apply?

The Rabbinical School Students