Orthodox Jewish university in New York offers Christians a unique Master's in Jewish studies

Yeshiva University in New York City recently launched a new Jewish studies program specifically designed for Christians who want to better understand the Jewish roots of their faith.

The Hebraic Studies Program for Christian Students is a Master's degree track being offered by the flagship Jewish university in partnership with the Philos Project, a nonprofit organization that seeks to promote positive Christian engagement in Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Egypt, Jordan and other Middle Eastern countries.

Daniel Rynhold, the dean of the Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies at Yeshiva University (YU) explained that one of the purposes of the new initiative is to use "the tools of the academy to enhance understanding of Jewish religious and cultural heritage."

Another goal of the innovative Jewish studies program is to create interfaith dialogue.

“Christian students will hopefully gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of the Hebraic roots of Christianity, which would be helpful to emerging religious and cultural leaders as well as encourage further understanding and cooperation between faiths,” Rynhold said.

Philos Project President and Executive Director Robert Nicholson said the new program offers an “ideal opportunity” for Christians to learn about Judaism.

“As America’s premier Orthodox Jewish institution of higher learning, Yeshiva University offers the ideal opportunity for traditional Christians looking to deepen their understanding of Jewish history, texts, and ideas. I meet many Christians interested in the Jewish context of their faith and asking to go deeper. This program is the perfect place to do just that,” Nicholson said.

The new program was introduced at Yeshiva University in June 2023 and has already attracted Christian students from a variety of places, including Mozambique, Texas, California, Virginia, and Nebraska.

This is not the first time YU has been involved in promoting opportunities for interfaith studies.

In April, the university organized its first Jewish studies conference in Dubai at the Crossroads of Civilizations Museum, in partnership with the Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities.

The purpose of the event, “Interacting philosophies, shared friendships,” was to promote interactions and mutual respect between Muslims and Jews across the Middle East region, with a focus on the medieval Jewish scholar Moses Maimonides.