About JTS and Israel

JTS is deeply committed to strengthening the North American Jewish community’s ties to Israel and to sharing the centrality of Israel to Jewish peoplehood. We nurture these connections through study programs in Israel, rich course offerings, discussions with visiting scholars, campus activities, public events, and more. 

Study in Israel

JTS programs in Israel ask students to engage with Israeli society in all its complexity, deepening their understanding of the country and preparing them to teach and speak effectively about Israel in our communities.

Programming on Campus 

JTS hosts lectures, conferences, panel discussions, and cultural events that explore and celebrate Israel from many perspectives, connecting our students and community to Israel’s remarkable achievements and the issues it faces today. The public programs we organize for the community are rich and diverse, from discussions with renowned experts about topics like the Israel Defense Forces’ code of ethics to a night of music with the Israeli Chamber Project.

Academic Courses and Activities

Both undergraduate and graduate students can enroll in a broad range of courses relating to the State of Israel, including its history, society, and literature.

A Campus Presence in Israel

Just as Israel is present on the JTS campus, so too is JTS present in Israel. Our community extends all the way to Israel through the Schocken Institute for Jewish Research, our academic hub in Jerusalem where our rabbinical students study during their year in Israel and where we conduct significant research as well as host workshops and exhibits. Additionally, JTS has a few partnership programs with the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies, allowing our students to study in Israel before continuing their studies back in New York City.

Pardes, Davidson, and Rabbinical School Joint Program

Program Overview

Within this collaborative arrangement, a year of study at Pardes followed by a year of study at The William Davidson Graduate School of Jewish Education count toward one year of rabbinical studies at JTS, making the joint program a six-year rabbinical studies and master’s program instead of a seven-year endeavor.

Graduates of this joint program earn a Certificate in Jewish Studies from Pardes; a Master of Arts in Jewish Education through The William Davidson School of The Jewish Theological Seminary; and rabbinic ordination from The Rabbinical School of The Jewish Theological Seminary.

  • First year: Student participates in Pardes Experiential Educators Program at Pardes in Jerusalem, and takes online courses for MA in Jewish Education at The William Davidson School.
  • Second year: Student completes MA in Jewish Education at The William Davidson School.
  • Third through sixth year: Student completes studies at The Rabbinical School.

Admission Requirements

Students will apply to The William Davidson School and Pardes in preparation of the first two years of the program. Students will then apply to The Rabbinical School in year two in preparation for their studies in year three.

  • Online application to both Pardes and The William Davidson School.
  • An official transcript of academic records from all colleges and universities.
  • Placement tests for Hebrew language and text levels.
  • Three letters of recommendation.
  • Personal essay.
  • Interview.

For more information about the program and how to apply, email admissions@jtsa.edu.