He Hochschule für Jüdische Studien Heidelberg (HfJS) was founded in 1979. The Central Council of the Jews supports it in Germany (Zentralrat der Juden in Deutschland), financed through the local and federal government, and is a fully recognized and accredited institution of higher learning. Nowhere else in Europe can Jewish studies be pursued with incomparable breadth and depth. This allows the HfJS to impart to its students, both Jewish and non-Jewish, the richness and diversity of Jewish religion, history, and culture within an academic context.
With ten professors and as many Assistants, the HfJS is today the leading center for Jewish studies in Europe. Due to the recognition that the HfJS has attained, it has become a primary source of information for politicians, the media, churches, and other educational institutions and, since 2007, a member of the College Rectors' Conference (Hochschulrektorenkonferenz).
The HfJS views itself as a part of a community wherein it can catalyze understanding and dialogue. Its task is not merely the advancement of academic research and knowledge but also to serve as a bridge between the Jewish community in Germany and society. In its public lecture series "Heidelberger Hochschulreden," such noteworthy luminaries have spoken as Chancellor Angela Merkel, Marcel Reich-Ranicki Joschka Fischer. The HfJS has also involved a wide array of academics, students, and others interested in Jewish religion and culture through its various publications: "Truman," the academic journal of the HfJS, and its book series "Schriften der Hochschule für Jüdische Studien". An electronic newsletter is also published regularly that offers news and information about the HfJS.
"…and thou shalt meditate therein day and night" (Joshua, 1:8): Originally, this excerpt has been thought to refer to the "Book of the Torah." But in the 19th century, the "Wissenschaft des Judentums" applied this phrase to the whole of Jewish religion and culture. Nevertheless, the movement's institutions of Jewish higher education in Breslau and Berlin remained isolated from the scientific landscape, having been ultimately dismantled during the National Socialist Regime. Later founded by the Central Council for Jews in Germany in 1979, the Hochschule für Jüdische Studien Heidelberg chose this phrase from Joshua as its guiding principle to be followed following its various meanings. In doing so, the HfJS fosters the legacy of the "Wissenschaft des Judentums" by further developing its approaches into an active part of the surrounding scholarly terrain.
The Hochschule für Jüdische Studien Heidelberg is a dynamic scholarly discussion that incorporates all facets of Jewish religion, history, cultures, and societies. While the proximity to the historical heritage of Ashkenaz provides the decisive impetus for both academic and religious work at the HfJS, its interest invariably extends beyond to all areas of geography and chronology as to consider Jewish cultures at large: in the past and present within a self-reliant Judaism within the Diaspora and likewise within the land of Israel.
The Hochschule für Jüdische Studien Heidelberg opens its doors to all students and scholars—regardless of their respective origins and creeds. It also undertakes a dual track, which is demonstrated by the mere layout of the HfJS itself: The scientific Albert Einstein Library is situated, albeit with seminar rooms between them, in juxtaposition to the corresponding house of learning, the Beth Midrash. Here within the same institution, the learning of foundational religious texts of Judaism with the campus Rabbi meets the study and scientific discourse among members and academic staff. Equipped with a kosher cafeteria, the HfJS caters to its members' needs for nourishment and a relaxing social atmosphere.
The interplay between internal and external perspectives allows the Hochschule für Jüdische Studien Heidelberg to hone its view on religion, history, culture, and society. After all, the teachers and graduates will refine our knowledge of Jewish history and theology. As a center of excellence unique in its field to Europe, the HfJS distinctly enables diverse resources and prospects both within and outside Europe's Jewish communities.
The HfJS provides intense language training at all levels (in Biblical, Rabbinical, and Modern Hebrew, and Hebrew-scripted languages, such as Yiddish and Judeo-Arabic). It offers degrees in accredited B.A. and M.A. programs taught in German and an international M.A. partnership program in "Jewish Civilizations" taught in English together with Paideia—The European Institute for Jewish Studies in Sweden. Finally, the HfJS also provides a Ph.D. in Jewish Studies (Dr. Phil.) in cooperation with the University of Heidelberg.
In Jewish studies, the B.A. offers to students of the HfJS a course of study that is focused on the humanities and cultural studies. It is not connected to any particular denomination or confession and requires no previous Hebrew knowledge, nor does it presuppose a familiarity with the Jewish religion, history, or culture. The general studies portion can count as 75%, 50%, or 25% of the study's full course. Students who chose this path focus on the sources of Judaism: that is, the sacred texts of Judaism and their interpretation throughout history the history of the Jewish people Jewish philosophy, art, and literature as well as other thematically associated fields. In this way, the inquiry object is time and again viewed through several academic disciplines' perspectives.
After completing the B.A. with a portion of at least 50%, the course of study can be continued to acquire the degree of M.A. in Jewish Studies. In the course of the student's M.A. studies, the knowledge gained during the B.A. will be expanded and deepened. The comprehensive course offerings at the HfJS makes it possible for students who aspire to the M.A. in Jewish studies to specialize in an area of study according to their choosing. The M.A. degree qualifies graduates for Ph.D. study.
