World-class scholars will guide your individualized course of study in our Master's and Doctoral programs
Based in Cincinnati, the Pines School of Graduate Studies offers you access to extraordinary resources for study, research, and publication, including our renowned Klau Library, Jacob Rader Marcus Center of the American Jewish Archives, and Skirball Museum.
Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion
The Pines School of Graduate Studies: Mission Statement
- Trains scholars of diverse faiths and backgrounds in those areas of Judaic, Hebraic, and Cognate Studies, from antiquity through the modern era, that are supported by our faculty;
- educates its students to produce and publish scholarship at the highest critical levels, using contemporary methodologies in the areas of historiography, philology, philosophy, and literary and cultural criticism;
- actively encourages its students to develop as teachers;
- is committed to the study and mastery of primary sources in their original languages and emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to the study of history and religion;
- supports a diversity of scholars, students, and instructional staff committed to academic freedom and rigor.
Our Programs
Doctor of Philosophy in Judaic, Hebraic, and Cognate Studies
We offer Ph.D.s in Hebrew Bible, History of Biblical Interpretation, Jewish and Christian Studies in the Greco-Roman Period, Rabbinic Literature, Jewish Thought, as well as a joint program in Modern Jewish History and Culture (including the American Jewish Experience) with the Department of History at the University of Cincinnati.
Master of Arts in Jewish Studies
A two-year residential program individually tailored to your academic interests. Based in Cincinnati, our master’s program is flexible with a broad range of study and world-class academic resources.
Doctor of Hebrew Letters
If you are an HUC-ordained rabbi seeking to further your intellectual journey, consider this flexible, part-time non-residential doctoral program. You’ll expand your knowledge while satisfying your love of learning in a program designed for independent study.
Our Programs
- Doctor of Philosophy in Judaic, Hebraic, and Cognate Studies Master of Arts in Jewish Studies Doctor of Hebrew Letters
Doctor of Philosophy in Judaic, Hebraic, and Cognate Studies
We offer Ph.D.s in Hebrew Bible, History of Biblical Interpretation, Jewish and Christian Studies in the Greco-Roman Period, Rabbinic Literature, Jewish Thought, as well as a joint program in Modern Jewish History and Culture (including the American Jewish Experience) with the Department of History at the University of Cincinnati.
Our Impact
Learn About Our Impact-
Alum
I learned from HUC-JIR to bring academic scholarship to the study of religious texts. These skills are crucial for exploring where things have been in the past and how to interpret religious texts ethically in the present and future.
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Alum
HUC-JIR provides a unique experience, not only with its rigorous academic environment, but also with its warm and welcoming interfaith community. I pray HUC-JIR continues to write its glorious history, and make this world a better place.
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Student
I originally went to college for a Bible degree because I wanted to be a minister at a Christian congregation. I ended up loving the academic study of the Bible, especially reading the Bible in its original languages and understanding it in its original context.
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Student
Academically, I’m fascinated by the Hebrew Bible, and I care deeply about promoting positive and informed relationships between Jews and Christians.
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Alum
HUC-JIR helped me understand the different stages of Hebrew and Aramaic, the allegorical interpretation of Scripture by Philo of Alexandria, translating and interpreting a treatise, and more, to understand early rabbinic literature and liturgy.
Our Impact
Learn About Our Impact
Alum
I learned from HUC-JIR to bring academic scholarship to the study of religious texts. These skills are crucial for exploring where things have been in the past and how to interpret religious texts ethically in the present and future.
Alum
HUC-JIR provides a unique experience, not only with its rigorous academic environment, but also with its warm and welcoming interfaith community. I pray HUC-JIR continues to write its glorious history, and make this world a better place.
Student
I originally went to college for a Bible degree because I wanted to be a minister at a Christian congregation. I ended up loving the academic study of the Bible, especially reading the Bible in its original languages and understanding it in its original context.
Student
Academically, I’m fascinated by the Hebrew Bible, and I care deeply about promoting positive and informed relationships between Jews and Christians.
Alum
HUC-JIR helped me understand the different stages of Hebrew and Aramaic, the allegorical interpretation of Scripture by Philo of Alexandria, translating and interpreting a treatise, and more, to understand early rabbinic literature and liturgy.
Student & Faculty Community
Featured Faculty
Rabbi David H. Aaron, Ph.D.
Professor of Hebrew Bible and History of Interpretation
Martin Cohen, Ph.D.
Adolph S. Ochs Professor of History
Daniel Fisher-Livne, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Bible
Rabbi Joshua D. Garroway, Ph.D.
Dean, Los Angeles Campus
Kristine Garroway, Ph.D.
Professor of Bible
Alyssa Gray, J.D., Ph.D.
Emily S. and Rabbi Bernard H. Mehlman Chair in Rabbinics; Professor of Codes and Responsa Literature
Jason Kalman, Ph.D.
Gottschalk-Slade Chair in Jewish Intellectual History; Co-Director, HUC Press
Adam Kamesar, D.Phil.
Professor of Judaeo-Hellenistic Literature
Rabbi Jan Katzew, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Jewish Thought and Education; Director of Service Learning; E.M.A. Senior Educator
Rabbi David Levine, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Talmud and Halacha
Rabbi Haim Rechnitzer, Ph.D.
Professor of Jewish Thought
Rabbi Richard Sarason, Ph.D.
Director, Pines School of Graduate Studies; The Deutsch Family Professor of Rabbinics and Liturgy
Rabbi Joseph Skloot, Ph.D.
Rabbi Aaron D. Panken Assistant Professor of Modern Jewish Intellectual History
Christine Thomas, Ph.D., M.Div.
Assistant Professor of Hebrew Bible
Rabbi Gary Zola, Ph.D.
Executive Director, American Jewish Archives; Edward M. Ackerman Family Distinguished Professor of The American Jewish Experience & Reform Judaism
