Undergraduate Degree in Talmud and Oral Law - Single Major

עברית

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.

The single-major bachelor's degree program in Talmud and Oral Law includes 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.

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 proficiency 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:

  1. A weighted score of 90 or higher in psychometric exam and matriculation (bagrut), or a matriculation average of 90.
  2. 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.

 

For question and additional clarification please reach out to us:

  • Administrative Assistant: Miriam Elbaz

         Telephone: 03-5318612

         Email: talmud.dept@biu.ac.il

        Sunday through Thursday between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm

  • Zoom Office Hours: Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursday between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm

         Link: Open Door for Talmud and Oral Law

  • In Person Office Hours: Sunday through Thursday between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm at the Department of Talmud and Oral Law, Building 410, Room 127, Bar Ilan Campus, Ramat Gan. Meetings must be scheduled in advance with Miriam Elbaz.