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Bar-Ilan University’s International School and the Department of Jewish Philosophy are proud to offer a two-year Master of Arts program in Jewish Philosophy, instructed entirely in English. The program focuses on the research and teaching of all fields of Jewish thought, from the classical period through to the modern era, and includes the study of Kabbalah and Chassidism.
The curriculum offers an in-depth exploration of the works and teachings of Maimonides (Rambam), Rabbi Yehuda Halevi, Rabbi Kook, and Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, examining their impact on both Jewish and general philosophy. Covering a range of disciplines and periods from medieval Spain to modern Germany, the program examines different approaches, discourses, and methods from a broad cultural perspective.
You will learn from some of the world’s leading philosophers and researchers of Jewish ways of thought. The program is led by professors like Prof. Dov Schwartz, Prof. Hanoch Ben Pazi, and Prof. Yehuda Halper, alongside lecturers such as Prof. George Yaacov Kohler, and Prof. Daniel Abrams. The faculty will provide you with dedicated guidance for graduate and postgraduate paths through research seminars, departmental seminars, and think tanks.
This MA program welcomes diverse groups of students, including:
Graduates are well-prepared for diverse roles across boards of education, the media, the legal system, and philosophical research. Our alumni secure positions in Jewish cultural institutions, museums, and historical societies, or pursue teaching roles in high schools and yeshivas. Furthermore, this degree prepares those pursuing a PhD to become university lecturers and researchers in Jewish and religious studies.
** The faculty doesn’t conduct preliminary evaluations or give out personal recommendations without an official application through the BIU Application Form.
The MA in Jewish Philosophy offers two options, you may choose between a thesis track (Track A) and a non-thesis track (Track B).
Track A: Thesis Track
This option is recommended for students who wish to conduct research, work closely with a faculty advisor, and pursue doctoral studies (PhD) in the future. Students are required to complete 24 Semester Credits (SC), structured as follows:
Additional Track A Milestones:
Track B: Non-Thesis Track
This option is designed for students seeking a broader exploration of Jewish Philosophy rather than a culminating research project. Students are required to complete 36 Semester Credits (SC), structured as follows:
Sample Course List

Application for graduate degrees taught in English 2026-2027
International School
Bar-Ilan University
Ramat-Gan, Israel 5290002
Tel: +972- 3-738-4245
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