Hebrew College, located in Newton, Massachusetts, stands as a premier institution dedicated to advanced Jewish learning and leadership development. Established with a mission to train rabbis, educators, and communal professionals, it offers graduate-level programs that blend rigorous scholarship with practical application. For those interested in jobs at Hebrew College, the institution provides opportunities in teaching, research, administration, and spiritual leadership within a pluralistic environment that welcomes diverse Jewish voices. Situated in the Greater Boston area, the college benefits from proximity to world-class resources like Harvard Divinity School and a vibrant Jewish community, making it an attractive destination for careers in higher education focused on Jewish studies.
The college's emphasis on contemporary Jewish thought, education, and communal service shapes its employment landscape. Positions here are not just jobs but vocations that contribute to the future of Judaism in America. Whether you're a scholar of Talmud or an experienced educator, Hebrew College seeks individuals passionate about fostering Jewish continuity.
Founded in 1922 as the Hebrew Teachers College, Hebrew College has a rich history spanning over a century. Initially focused on training teachers for Jewish day schools, it expanded in 1993 to become Hebrew College, incorporating rabbinical ordination and advanced degrees. This evolution reflects the changing needs of the Jewish community, particularly within the Conservative movement, though it now embraces a pluralistic approach open to Reform, Reconstructionist, and independent voices.
Key milestones include the launch of the Pluralistic Rabbinical Leadership program in 2001, which ordains rabbis for diverse congregations. The college's campus in Newton Centre features modern facilities, including the historic sanctuary and libraries housing rare Jewish texts. This legacy informs its hiring practices, prioritizing candidates who understand the institution's commitment to innovative Jewish education amid evolving demographics.
Throughout its history, Hebrew College has navigated challenges like enrollment shifts and financial sustainability, emerging stronger with strategic partnerships. Today, it employs faculty renowned for publications in Jewish philosophy and education, offering stable careers in a niche yet impactful field.
Hebrew College offers master's degrees in Jewish Education, Jewish Communal Service, and Rabbinic Leadership, alongside day school leadership programs. Core departments include Bible, Rabbinics, Jewish Thought, Education, and Liturgy. Faculty jobs at Hebrew College often involve teaching these subjects, mentoring students, and contributing to curriculum development.
The Year-in-Israel program and dual degrees with partners like Lesley University enhance its offerings. Administrative roles support student services, advancement, and operations, while research positions explore topics like Jewish ethics in modern society.
Jobs at Hebrew College span faculty, staff, and leadership roles. Common positions include Assistant/Associate Professors in Jewish Studies, Rabbis-in-Residence, Academic Deans, Admissions Directors, and Librarians specializing in Judaica. Tenure-track faculty roles emphasize teaching and scholarship, while adjunct professor jobs provide flexibility. For a full overview of university job types, explore available categories.
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To understand jobs at Hebrew College, key terms include:
For faculty and research jobs at Hebrew College, a PhD in Jewish Studies, Religious Studies, or a related field is standard. Rabbinic positions require ordination (smicha) from an accredited seminary. Educators need at least a master's in Jewish Education. Administrative leaders often hold advanced degrees in nonprofit management or communal service. All roles demand fluency in Hebrew and familiarity with Jewish texts.
Entry-level research assistant jobs may accept master's holders, while executive positions prefer doctorates plus leadership experience.
Research at Hebrew College centers on applied Jewish scholarship: contemporary liturgy, Jewish education pedagogy, gender in Judaism, and interfaith relations. Expertise in digital humanities for Jewish texts or experiential education is valued. Faculty contribute to centers like the Institute for Jewish-Christian Relations or the Center for Modern Jewish Thought.
Prospective hires should align with the college's pluralistic ethos, publishing in journals like Shma or Conservative Judaism.
Preferred candidates have 3-5 years of teaching in Jewish settings, publications (e.g., books on midrash), and grant experience from foundations like Wexner or Covenant. Communal service, such as synagogue leadership or Hillel work, is a plus. For admin roles, fundraising success or enrollment management in small colleges.
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Digital literacy for online courses and research tools is essential.
To apply for jobs at Hebrew College, visit their careers portal, submitting a tailored CV, cover letter addressing pluralistic fit, teaching philosophy statement, and three references. Interviews include teaching demos and rabbinic panels.
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Hebrew College champions diversity through its pluralistic ordination program, admitting students from varied denominations. Initiatives include scholarships for underrepresented Jews, LGBTQ+ affinity groups, and faculty hires reflecting global Judaism. The Shakla Bandi Shwartz Center for Jewish Leadership trains diverse leaders. Hiring prioritizes inclusive practices, with training on bias reduction.
In Newton, Hebrew College offers a serene campus with green spaces, a beit midrash for study, and proximity to Boston for cultural outings. Work-life balance features flexible hours, sabbaticals every seven years, parental leave, and wellness programs. Community Shabbatot, holidays, and kollel foster belonging. Staff enjoy professional development and tuition remission. The supportive environment suits those balancing family and vocation.
Jobs at Hebrew College offer meaningful impact in Jewish higher education. With competitive salaries, benefits, and a collaborative culture, it's ideal for passionate professionals. Explore higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job on AcademicJobs.com for more opportunities.
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