Nishma

• Learn the basic texts of the Jewish tradition: Torah, Mishnah, Talmud, Midrash, and halakhah. 
• Improve your Hebrew language abilities and gain independence in your study of Jewish texts. 
• Prepare yourself for a career in Jewish education, communal service, academia, the rabbinate, or the cantorate. 
• Explore the academic and social community at JTS, North America’s preeminent institution of Jewish higher education.

Fellowships

A limited number of fellowships including waived Nishma tuition are available for candidates preparing to apply to JTS graduate programs. Fellowships are limited, so apply early.  

Course Offerings 2023

Session A: May 30–June 29 

RLC 5022 Introduction to Rabbinic Narrative (3 credits)
TBA
TWR 2:00 p.m.–4:45 p.m.
A survey of the basic forms and methods of Midrash through close reading of various primary sources and secondary literature.

RLC 6620 Talmud Text Level A: Taking Hold of Talmud I (6 credits)
Dr. Rachel Rosenthal
MTWR 9:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
With a focus on building fundamental skills for reading the Bavli (developing student understanding of structure, technical terminology, basic concepts from Rabbinic culture, and Rabbinic languages), we will explore a range of sequential passages drawn from the Talmud Bavli. The religious dimension of these texts will also be discussed. 

RLC 6630 Talmud Text Level B: Mastery in the Making I (6 credits)
Eliezer Diamond
MTWR 9:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Aiming to develop independent competence in their reading of the Talmud Bavli, students will encounter a significant number of sequential Talmudic passages. The instructor will guide them toward mastery of their fundamental reading skills, while introducing some of the classical commentators on the Talmud, and also exposing them to some critical methods of study. Time will also be devoted to religious meaning.

Session B: July 5–August 3

BIB 5013 Parshanut (3 credits)
Malka Edinger
TWR 2:00 p.m.–4:45 p.m.
The course is methodologically oriented, designed to help students acquire and refine skills of close reading of the biblical text by integrating a modern literary approach with the study of Rashi and other traditional Jewish commentaries. Students will learn to identify the questions that have been asked for centuries, creating an ongoing dialogue with ancient, medieval, and contemporary close readers.

TAL 6621 Talmud Text Level A: Taking Hold of Talmud II (6 credits)
TBA
MTWR 9:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
With the same skill focused goals of TAL 6111, students will explore a new range of sequential passages drawn from Bavli Berakhot or Seder Moed or Nashim. The religious dimension of these texts will again be discussed. 

TAL 6631 Talmud Text Level B: Mastery in the Making II (6 credits)
Rachel Rosenthal
MTWR 9:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
With the identical emphasis on competence and mastery as in TAL 6453, students will encounter a substantial number of different sequential passages drawn from Bavli Avodah Zarah. Time will once more be devoted to religious meaning. 

For-Credit Option

You can earn up to six graduate academic credits in Nishma. These credits are earned through the JTS Summer School. See tuition and fees.