5 Reasons to Go for a Masters Program in Jewish Studies
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Students often can’t decide what to do after getting a bachelor’s degree. Sometimes they have trouble picking a master’s program. Some of the choices include computer sciences, business administration, or human research management. But, one may find less popular majors more to their liking.
Several universities support a master’s program in Jewish studies. Bachelor-level applicants can pursue them at Bar-Ilan University, Oxford University, and Harvard University. Some of these programs accept candidates without a background in Jewish studies. There are several perks to choosing this diploma.
Learn The Foundation Of Abrahamic Religions
The Middle East is the cradle of three religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. All have the story of Abraham as their cornerstone. This work became the foundation of many civilizations. It’s vital to do anything from working and buy an essay from EssayHub service or writing a course paper on the Hebrew bible.
Understanding the religious impact of Judaism is also important on a cultural level. Most views of the Western world center around the principles described in the Bible. They’re the backbone of the law and moral codes used by society. The Islamic civilization is connected to its religious texts in the same manner.
Aside from Biblical texts, master programs in Jewish studies cover specific religious tomes. These include the Torah: The book of Deuteronomy, Exodus, Genesis, Leviticus, and Numbers. Students also learn about the different religious groups. For example, about Hasidim and Reform Judaism.
Know More About Economics And Philosophy
A course in Jewish studies covers philosophy and economic theory. Jewish thinkers strongly affected the development of these fields in the West. This will be interesting to everyone from an essay writer to a political science major. Courses teach about the influence of Judaism on the Western world and vice versa. Students learn about the philosophical works of:
- Philo of Alexandria
- Moses ben Maimon
- Hannah Arendt
- Ayn Rand
Judaism played an important role in the formation of several economic doctrines. The life of Jews in Europe contributed to the rise of socialist movements. Back then, Jewish people couldn’t get higher education and lived under persecution. Their environment shaped the way they saw economics. Karl Marx and Milton Friedman were of Jewish background.
But their opinions couldn’t be more polarized. Their works shaped the capitalist and socialist movements of the 20th century. Jewish studies majors will closely examine their works and the impact they had. It’s not just a history lesson, as Marx and Friedman described things that apply to modern times.
Learn New Languages
Knowing a second or third language is a good skill, no matter your major. Enrolling in Jewish studies involves learning one of three languages. Students can delve into biblical or modern Hebrew or take lessons in Yiddish. They are taught at three levels: elementary, intermediate, or advanced.
Oxford’s program demands the completion of a three-term course. There are several perks to learning any of these languages:
- Communicate with religious scholars in their native tongue
- Be able to speak with friends and family of Jewish heritage
- A better understanding of people of Jewish background
- Read and understand texts in their original language
Some students want to pursue this career after getting their master’s degree. Improving knowledge in one of these disciplines will place them above the rest. They will be able to work at archives, libraries, and other places. Learning a new language is also beneficial in other fields of work.
Getting A Better Understanding Of Jewish History
History plays an important role in Jewish studies programs. With it, one can better understand what this nation went through. London’s Global University’s program covers their story from antiquity to modern times. One can use this knowledge when working for a essayhub reviews service after graduation.
Students learn about the life of Jewish people in the Middle East, Eastern, and Western Europe. These programs dedicate a lot of time to studying the persecutions of Jews in the 1930s and 1940s. One will learn about the inhuman practices conducted by the Nazi regime against Jews. The course also dives into explaining the causes of the Holocaust and its aftermath.
The history of the mass genocide is tightly attached to the creation of Israel. Another part of the course deals with the history of its founding in 1948. Students will look at different periods of Israel’s life and their impact on world events. They also cover lectures dedicated to the country’s relationships with neighboring states.
Discover New Literary Horizons
People often believe that the Torah and Talmud are the only Jewish texts worth looking at. It’s true that this nation mostly relied on oral tradition to save its cultural heritage. But it doesn’t mean that there are no literary works to speak of. A part of a Jewish studies program is aimed at filling this gap in a student’s knowledge.
The academic curriculum involves exploring various fictional, theological, and nonfictional works. Of course, they can delve into the religious side of things. Universities give access to plenty of archival documents and original copies of tomes. But, one shouldn’t forget about reading novels. Depending on the university, students can come across such works as:
- My Name Is Asher Lev
- As a Driven Leaf
- The Red Tent
- Herzog
A common theme in Jewish literature is the use of biblical motifs and historical events. The As a Driven Leaf novel tells of the struggles Jews faced in ancient Greek society. My Name Is Asher Lev touches upon the themes of tradition vs. modernity and desires vs. upbringing.
Jewish literature may not have the history of its French or English counterparts. But, it experienced a boom in the 20th century. Like other literature, it gives a glimpse into the values and mindsets of its people. This information is too valuable to neglect.
Conclusion
Learning about new people and cultures is always exciting. One can find that they have more in common with other nations than they thought before. A course in Jewish studies shows the impact this nation had on the entire world.
