At the heart of Paideia is the One-Year Jewish Studies Program, dedicated to the study and interdisciplinary interpretation of the textual sources that have served as the wellsprings of Jewish civilization. The program has been running since Paideia began operations and is one of the most intensive Jewish learning experiences in Europe. It offers a combination of traditional textual study methodology (hevruta), an academic and critical approach to interpretation, and an applied dimension answering to contemporary needs, making it a unique program in Jewish studies.



‘Paideia felt to me a safe space, community building, in-depth Jewish studies with many branches. Listening to many different approaches from many different personalities from many different backgrounds. Engagement and participation…’

Fellow 2020-2021

Overview

The curriculum of the One-Year Jewish Studies Program runs chronologically from Torah and Midrash, through Medieval Jewish Philosophy and Responsa Literature to Modern Jewish Philosophy and Literature, with courses taught by prominent scholars, including leading professors from major Israeli, American and European universities.

In cooperation with academic institutions and universities, the One-Year Jewish Studies Program enables the participants to study for a Master’s Program in Jewish Studies (120 ECTS). The One-Year Jewish Studies Program accounts for the first year of studies (equivalent to 60 ECTS) whereas the second year of studies consists of advanced modules of Jewish studies and Thesis writing at the partner institutions (60 ECTS).

The program starts in September and finishes at the end of May.
25-30 Fellows from all over Europe are elected to the Program each year.


Program Catalogue

The curriculum of the One-Year Jewish Studies Program runs chronologically from Torah and Midrash, through Medieval Jewish Philosophy and Responsa Literature to Modern Jewish Philosophy and Literature, with courses taught by prominent scholars, including leading professors from major Israeli, American and European universities. It also includes Hebrew Ulpan at three levels, and hands-on project work during the year. Additinaly to that, a study trip to Israel is planned to be a part of the program. The time and scope of the trip is planned in conjunction with the National Library of Israel and Yad Vashem. 


Literacy in Jewish Text

Not without justification the term “People of the Book” has been used to describe Jewish civilization. Although the phrase could be used for many text-based civilizations, what makes the term so apt is that it was precisely text-centrality that allowed for the durability and sustainability of Jewish culture throughout 2000 years of global dispersal.


Applied dimension

Within an interdisciplinary academic setting, Paideia educates towards fluency in Jewish sources. In renewing interpretation of Jewish text, Paideia is reviving a European Jewish voice long silenced by Communism and post-Holocaust trauma – a voice that can contribute to a culturally rich and pluralistic Europe.

The Program allows the fellows to interact with and learn from each other as well as from a number of invited speakers during the year; thereby addressing the question of what Jewish culture have to say to contemporary issues. The applied dimension of Paideia also encourages fellows to explore the question of how Jewish studies can nourish their respective fields of competence, establishing a deeper connection between Jewish textual studies and related fields.


Hevruta

Courses at Paideia are based on Jewish text and use the Hevruta technique. This is the traditional Jewish method of studying a text in pairs or small groups, where the fellows interpret the text together, conducting a dialogue with each other and with the text, debating its possible meanings.


Scholarships

Paideia fellows are eligible for scholarships during their studies at Paideia. The scholarship includes tuition-free studies, a study trip to Israel and a monthly stipend of approximately 900€ per month to cover rent and living costs. scholarships are only awarded to candidates who actively contribute to strengthening Jewish life and culture in Europe and have the potential to continue to do so in their future work.


Master Programs in Jewish and Religious Studies

In cooperation with academic institutions and universities, the One-Year Jewish Studies Program enables the participants to study for a Master’s Program in Jewish Studies (120 ECTS). The One-Year Jewish Studies Program accounts for the first year of studies (equivalent to 60 ECTS) whereas the second year of studies consists of advanced modules of Jewish studies and Thesis writing at the partner institutions (60 ECTS).

Students accepted to the M.A. Program have a possibility to apply for a number of scholarships.


Apply

Criteria for acceptance

  • Commitment to the renewal of European Jewish culture
  • BA degree with a major in social sciences, law, humanities, theology or equivalent
  • Command of the English language

To apply to the program, you will need to fill in the application form and attach supporting documents. The application consists of several parts.
For more information, do not hesitate to contact: recruitment@paideia-eu.org.


Questions and Answers

If you have any questions concerning the One-Year Jewish Studies Program, reach out to recruitment@paideia-eu.org or consult our QandA page here.


The program is organized in cooperation with Paideia Folkhögskola.