Jewish Theology at University of Potsdam

In establishing the discipline of Jewish Theology, which includes a Master's degree programme at the University of Potsdam, the long-standing demand for equality with Christian and Islamic theologies has been fulfilled. It forms the basis for a vital engagement with Jewish religious history and philosophy, as well as provides scope to develop religious practice. The subject of the Jewish Theology Master's degree programme is the in-depth study of the Jewish religion. The degree programme enables you to understand complex theological, philosophical, and ethical ideas in the context of the Jewish tradition and current academic and societal debates. Through the academic programme, you will acquire excellent knowledge of the history of ancient and medieval Jewish religion and philosophy as well as of the wide-ranging transformation processes since the mid-16th century. The programme places particular emphasis on deepening one's knowledge of Rabbinic Judaism in Antiquity and the early Middle Ages, periods which have been formative for Judaism in a number of ways up to the present. The analysis, interpretation, and religious history contextualisation of the traditional literature and of the Talmudic Era (Mishnah, Talmud, and Midrashim) as well as the later literature of the Rishonim and Acharonim in its original languages are thus at the core of the programme. Other focal areas are the Jewish Enlightenment and the Reform Movement, Eastern European Hasidism, and religious philosophy as well as the theological and ethical concepts of the 19th and 20th centuries. The Jewish Theology programme is based on the current state of research and conveys the necessary specialist knowledge and methodological skills to the students, which will enable them to independently analyse the texts relevant for Jewish religious history. Practical theology is also part of the programme. Knowledge and understanding of the orders of service is expanded and specific liturgical features of celebrations, fast days, and days of remembrance are addressed. In this way, students will gain authentic insights into Judaism today in all its diversity. For students with a Jewish religious affiliation, the subject can also be chosen with focus areas of liberal or conservative (Masorti) rabbinates. The academic programme with one of these focus areas is associated with admission to the Abraham Geiger College or the Zacharias Frankel College in Potsdam. This can lead to a career as a rabbi. The Master's programme qualifies you for employment in, for example, archives and museums with Jewish collections, memorials, Jewish and non-Jewish educational and cultural institutions, or institutions that endeavour to maintain the Jewish legacy in Germany and abroad. In addition, employment in the library sector and in the media and publications sectors is possible. In total, the programme comprises 120 credit points. More information

Jewish Theology

University of Potsdam

University of Potsdam

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Jewish Theology

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Jewish Theology

University of Potsdam

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