Jewish Theology

The subject of the Jewish Theology Master's degree programme is the in-depth study of Jewish religion. The degree programme enables you to understand complex theological, philosophical and ethical ideas in the context of 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 century. The Jewish theology programme is based on the current state of research and conveys to the students the necessary specialist knowledge and methodological skills that 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 dealt with. 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. You are provided with the opportunity to apply the knowledge gained during your studies, through an internship module. It offers a choice between different internship options, e.g. with a Jewish community or cultural institution, or you could design a tutorial for the Bachelor's programme, or you could take part in an academic project.