How Do I Get a Reformed Rabbi's Degree?

American Reform Judaism was founded in 1873 by Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise, who began incorporating changes occurring in European Judaism to the Jewish community in America. Reform Judaism practices the belief that--while preserving tradition is important--innovation is key to keeping the faith alive and meaningful. Reform Judaism is considered an extremely inclusive form of Judaism, accepting members from all walks of life. Becoming a rabbi in Reform Judaism requires diligent study.

Things You'll Need

• Accredited Bachelor's Degree

Instructions

1. Obtain an accredited bachelor's degree from a credible post-secondary education facility. Be aware you will need a B to B+ average and high GRE scores in order to qualify.

2. Apply for the Rabbinical Studies program at the Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion, in any of the three campuses. In the western US, the school is located in Los Angeles, California, while the central US is served in Cincinnati, Ohio. East Coast applicants can find the school in New York, New York.

3. Travel to Israel for your first year's education at the HUC-JIR campus in Jerusalem. Studies during this year include Biblical Hebrew, Modern Hebrew, archeology and immersion into Israeli culture.

4. Study at a US campus for four more years. Your fields will include the Bible, Midrash, Talmud, Codes, Homiletics, history, education, liturgy, philosophy, human relations, Hebrew and Aramaic.

5. Serve at least one year of internship with a Reform Judaism congregation.

6. Receive your Master of Arts Degree in Hebrew Letters, and become ordained as a Reform Rabbi.

Tips & Warnings

• If you can demonstrate fluency in Hebrew languages and texts, the first year of study in Israel may be waived in favor of immediately beginning the four years of study at a US campus.

• The Los Angeles campus does not ordain rabbis as of 2010. Applicants at these schools must transfer two years into their studies to either the New York or Cincinnati campus to complete their studies and be ordained.

References

• FAQs.org: How Does One Become a Reform Rabbi?

Resources

• Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion
• Central Conference of American Rabbis
• Reform Judaism