The Jewish Theological Seminary's Main Campus in New York City offers a comprehensive array of programs centered on Jewish studies, theology, and leadership training. As a premier institution for Conservative Judaism, it emphasizes rigorous academic scholarship combined with practical vocational preparation for roles in Jewish communities worldwide.
- Rabbinical Program: This flagship five-year program leads to ordination as a rabbi. Students engage in intensive study of Talmud, Halakhah, Bible, and Jewish philosophy, alongside pastoral counseling, homiletics, and community leadership skills. Courses cover classical texts like Mishnah and Midrash, modern Jewish thought from thinkers like Abraham Joshua Heschel, and contemporary issues in Jewish ethics and interfaith dialogue.
- Master of Arts in Jewish Education (MAJE): Designed for educators, this program focuses on curriculum development, pedagogy for Jewish day schools and supplementary programs, and integrating technology in religious education. Key courses include Child Development in Jewish Contexts, Teaching Hebrew Language, and Inclusive Education for Diverse Learners.
- Doctor of Hebrew Letters (DHL): An advanced doctoral program for scholars pursuing academic careers. It involves original research in areas such as Jewish history, literature, and liturgy, with seminars on Medieval Jewish Philosophy, Modern Jewish Literature, and Archival Methods in Jewish Studies.
- H. L. Miller Cantorial School and College of Jewish Music: Training for cantors, this program combines vocal performance, Jewish liturgical music composition, and conducting. Courses explore Ashkenazi and Sephardic traditions, Music Theory for Synagogue Settings, and Digital Preservation of Jewish Musical Heritage.
- Master of Arts in Jewish Studies (MAJS): A flexible program for deepening knowledge in Jewish civilization. Offerings include electives in Archaeology of Ancient Israel, Women in Jewish History, and Jewish-Christian Relations.
- Israel Rabbinics Program: An immersive year in Jerusalem, focusing on advanced Talmud and Hebrew immersion, affiliated with JTS but coordinated from the main campus.
- Communal Service Program: Prepares professionals for nonprofit and synagogue administration, with courses in Fundraising for Jewish Organizations, Leadership in Crisis, and Social Justice Advocacy.
Across all programs, JTS integrates experiential learning through internships at synagogues, museums like the Jewish Museum, and partnerships with organizations such as the World Jewish Congress. The curriculum fosters a commitment to tikkun olam (repairing the world), blending traditional texts with progressive values. Faculty include renowned scholars like Rabbi David Kraemer and Professor Barbara Sivertsen, ensuring cutting-edge instruction. With small class sizes and access to the Leo Baeck Institute's vast library, students thrive in an environment that nurtures both intellect and soul. This holistic approach equips graduates to lead vibrant Jewish life in the 21st century, addressing challenges like assimilation, Israel-Diaspora relations, and ethical dilemmas in a globalized world. The campus's location near Columbia University enhances interdisciplinary opportunities, allowing cross-registration in related fields.
