Undergraduate Programs
The Talmud stands at the foundation of Jewish culture throughout the generations. The Talmud is a textual documentation of rabbinic discussions on matters of Jewish law (halakha), philosophy, and biblical interpretation that took place over generations. It is structured as a commentary on the Mishnah, interwoven with legendary stories, words of wisdom, and practical life advice. All the sources and different periods studied and researched in the bachelor's degree program in the department are approached with a critical perspective, through deep analysis and with consideration of historical, philological, literary, and legal aspects. The undergraduate studies in Talmud and Oral Law provide research methods that can serve students in their master's and doctoral studies.
Why Study in the Department of Talmud and Oral Law?
- The department's lecturers are among the world's leading researchers in their field.
- The department has a cooperation agreement with Yeshiva University in the USA that allows students to take courses from YU.
- The faculty members are committed and dedicated to your success, through personal attention and close guidance they will ensure you meet the high requirements and fulfill your potential - both academically and in your research.
All bachelor's degree programs in Talmud and Oral Law include the entire treasury of Oral Torah: the Tannaitic literature, including the Mishnah, Tosefta, and Halakhic Midrashim; the Amoraic literature: the Babylonian Talmud and Jerusalem Talmud; and the study of the post-Talmudic literature of the Geonim, Rishonim, and Acharonim. All sources and different periods are studied and researched in the department using a critical approach, through deep analysis and with consideration of historical, philological, literary, and legal aspects.
Single Major
Your first year mainly includes basic required courses to gain a deep understanding of the Talmud, such as Tannaitic Literature, Amoraic Literature, Introduction to Midrash and Aggadah, and Bibliographic Instruction - as well as additional elective courses.
The second and third years include elective courses in Talmud and Oral Law based on the student's areas of interest. This includes at least three seminar papers under two different instructors.
A single-major bachelor's degree in Talmud and Oral Law includes courses totaling 128 credits.
Some courses are taught in-person while others are online or via Zoom.
Comprehensive Exam: Every student will be required to take one comprehensive exam during their degree studies. For details, see information about the comprehensive exam.
Students can choose to combine their degree with a teaching certificate. This certificate provides employment opportunities and allows graduates to integrate into the education system teaching Oral Law, as well as in higher education institutions as lecturers and researchers.
Admission Requirements:
- A weighted score of 90 or higher in psychometric exam and matriculation (bagrut), or a matriculation average of 90.
- A score of 85 or higher in the English section of the psychometric exam, AMIR, or AMIRAM
Other admission requirements are according to university admission requirements.
Double Major
The double major program with Talmud and Oral Law allows students to study in two departments at once.
Basic Credit Breakdown for the Double Major (subject to changes based on choice of second department):
| Talmud* | Second Dept | Basic Jewish Studies* | General | Total |
| 62 | 54 | 12 | 8 | 128 |
*students in the university are required to do 20 credits of Basic Jewish Studies, 8 of those credits are done within the Talmud and Oral Law Department for students in the program.
Your first year mainly includes basic required courses to gain a deep understanding of the Talmud, such as Tannaitic Literature, Amoraic Literature, Introduction to Midrash and Aggadah, and Bibliographic Instruction - as well as additional elective courses.
The second and third years include elective courses in Talmud and Oral Law based on the student's areas of interest. This includes at least two seminar papers under two different instructors.
A double-major bachelor's degree in Talmud and Oral Law includes courses totaling 128 credits.
Comprehensive Exam: Every student will be required to take one comprehensive exam during their degree studies. For details, information about the comprehensive exam.
Students can choose to combine their degree with a teaching certificate. This certificate provides employment opportunities and allows graduates to integrate into the education system teaching Oral Law, as well as in higher education institutions as lecturers and researchers.
Admission Requirements:
- A weighted score of 90 or higher in psychometric exam and matriculation (bagrut), or a matriculation average of 90.
- A score of 85 or higher in the English section of the psychometric exam, AMIR, or AMIRAM
Other admission requirements are according to university admission requirements.
Structured Double Major
Studies in the structured dual-major undergraduate program in Talmud and Oral Law allow students to study in two different but related departments with the full scope of each.
In the structured dual-major undergraduate program, students will study 58 credits (8 credits are exempted from basic Jewish studies) and in the additional department will study 50 credits.
Below is a list of departments where one can study a structured dual-major in combination with the Talmud Department:
Talmud and Oral Law + Bible Talmud and Oral Law + Jewish Philosophy
Talmud and Oral Law + Jewish History Talmud and Oral Law+ Classics
Talmud and Oral Law + Land of Israel Studies Talmud and Oral Law + Hebrew Language
Talmud and Oral Law + General History Talmud and Oral Law + Educational Counseling
Talmud and Oral Law + Literature of the Jewish People
Talmud and Oral Law +Leadership, Organizational Development and Policy in Education
Your first year mainly includes basic required courses to gain a deep understanding of the Talmud, such as Tannaitic Literature, Amoraic Literature, Introduction to Midrash and Aggadah, and Bibliographic Instruction - as well as additional elective courses.
The second and third years include elective courses in Talmud and Oral Law based on the student's areas of interest. This includes at least two seminar papers under two different instructors.
A double-major bachelor's degree in Talmud and Oral Law includes courses totaling 128 credits.
Comprehensive Exam: Every student will be required to take one comprehensive exam during their degree studies. For details, information about the comprehensive exam.
Students can choose to combine their degree with a teaching certificate. This certificate provides employment opportunities and allows graduates to integrate into the education system teaching Oral Law, as well as in higher education institutions as lecturers and researchers.
Admission Requirements:
- A weighted score of 90 or higher in psychometric exam and matriculation (bagrut), or a matriculation average of 90.
- A score of 85 or higher in the English section of the psychometric exam, AMIR, or AMIRAM
Other admission requirements are according to university admission requirements.
Ramim Track
Your first year mainly includes basic required courses to gain a deep understanding of the Talmud, such as Tannaitic Literature, Amoraic Literature, Introduction to Midrash and Aggadah, and Bibliographic Instruction - as well as additional elective courses.
Second Year includes elective courses in Talmud and Oral Law based on the student's areas of interest and at least two seminar papers with two different instructors.
Studies in this track must be completed within two years. A bachelor's degree in Talmud and Oral Law in the RAM (Yeshiva teachers) track includes courses totaling 60 credits.
Comprehensive Exam: Every student will be required to take one comprehensive exam during their degree studies. For details, information about the comprehensive exam.
Students can choose to combine their degree with a teaching certificate. This certificate provides employment opportunities and allows graduates to integrate into the education system teaching Oral Law, as well as in higher education institutions as lecturers and researchers.
Admission Requirements:
- A weighted score of 90 or higher in psychometric exam and matriculation (bagrut), or a matriculation average of 90.
- A score of 85 or higher in the English section of the psychometric exam, AMIR, or AMIRAM
Other admission requirements are according to university admission requirements.
"Amitim" for Educators
Lead Innovation in Talmud and Oral Law Education
Earn a Bachelor's, Master's + Teaching Certificate in 4 years!
The Department of Talmud and Oral Law is proud to be a partner in a groundbreaking program that promotes high-level creative thinking in both the education system and academia. The "AMITim Bar-Ilan" program is an innovative program for training teachers in collaboration with the Faculty of Education and the AMIT network. If you want to be secure in your future, embark on a unique academic journey: learn from the best lecturers in Israel and worldwide; become excellent teachers with up-to-date theoretical, research-based and practical knowledge in education; and build the future generation - join us at the Department of Talmud and Oral Law!
AMITim Bar-Ilan – because in our changing reality, we must ensure that the education system remains relevant and flexible.
- Scholarship for the first year of studies
- Group study tour abroad and several educational tours in Israel during the study track
- Small group learning and personal mentoring for each student by a senior education professional from the field
- Practical experience starting from the first year
- For outstanding students - placement in one of AMIT network schools starting from the third year
- Weekly learning day at the "גוגיה" complex - AMIT network's center for innovation, research and development
Admission Requirements
- Matriculation (Bagrut) score of 96 and English placement test score above 85
- Admission possible with a weighted score of matriculation and psychometric exam (weighted score: 51.5)
- For additional university admission requirements, read more on the undergraduate admission channels page
