Rabbinic
Secular Humanistic rabbis are spiritual leaders and philosophic and cultural mentors for Secular Humanistic Jews. They serve as teachers, counselors, pastors, ceremonialists (celebration and ceremonial guides), and experts in Judaism and Jewish life. Since 1992, the IISHJ Rabbinic Program has trained and ordained the future of Secular Humanistic Judaism.
Rabbinic Program Admission Requirements
- An undergraduate degree (does not need to be in Judaic Studies)
- Membership in the Secular Humanistic Jewish movement
- Reading and comprehension proficiency in Classical Hebrew
- Completion of the application process, including application form, biographical essay, transcript, advance psychological screening, references, application fee
- Interview with the Admissions Committee
- Advanced standing through partial or full credit for specific required courses is granted on a case-by-case basis for students with advanced prior education.
Click here to read more about the professional roles, admission requirements and graduation competencies of a Secular Humanistic rabbi. For more information or to request an application, go to Admissions and Financial Aid.
Requirements for Ordination
- Completion of an accredited Master’s Degree in Judaic Studies or equivalent field. If not already earned prior to admission, this may be completed simultaneous with or subsequent to the IISHJ program.
- Completion of 62 credit hours of graduate seminars
- Completion of internship/fieldwork in a Secular Humanistic Jewish community (6
credit hours) - Completion of a rabbinic thesis (3 credit hours)
Required Seminars
Seminars required for the Rabbinic Program combine online synchronous and asynchronous learning and in-person summer intensives, allowing students to pursue their Master’s Degree studies simultaneously at the university of their choice. All seminars for the Rabbinic Program are offered by the IISHJ.
Jewish History
- JH 501) Ancient Jewish History and Biblical Literature 1 (CR: 3)
- JH 502) Ancient Jewish History and Biblical Literature 2 (CR: 3)
- JH 511) Second Temple Jewish History and Literature 1 (CR: 3)
- JH 512) Second Temple Jewish History and Literature 2 (CR: 3)
- JH 521) Rabbinic History and Literature (CR: 3)
- JH 522) Medieval Jewish History and Literature (CR: 3)
- JH 531) Modern Jewish History 1 (CR: 3)
- JH 532) Modern Jewish History 2 (CR: 3)
Jewish Culture
- JC 410) Life Cycle Ceremonies (CR: 3)
- JC 501) Jewish Calendar, Holidays, Liturgy and Celebration 1 (CR: 3)
- JC 502) Jewish Calendar Holidays, Liturgy and Celebration 2 (CR: 3)
- JC 550) Cultural Traditions of the Jewish People – Ashkenazic Culture (CR: 2)
- JC 560) Cultural Traditions of the Jewish People – Sephardi/ Mizrahi Culture (CR: 2)
- JC 570) Cultural Traditions of the Jewish People – Israeli Culture (CR: 2)
- JC 580) Cultural Traditions of the Jewish People – North American Jewish Culture (CR: 2)
Professional Skills
- PS 400) Jewish Education and Curriculum Planning (CR: 3)
- PS 410) Leadership, Management and Community (CR: 3)
- PS 420) Homiletics (CR: 3)
- PS 430) Philosophic Guidance and Counseling (CR: 3)
Secular Humanistic Judaism
- SHJ 400) Philosophy of Secular Humanistic Judaism (CR: 3)
- SHJ 501) History of Secular Humanistic Judaism 1 (CR: 3)
- SHJ 502) History of Secular Humanistic Judaism 2 (CR: 3)
Rabbinic Internship/Fieldwork
The IISHJ Rabbinic Program develops Secular Humanistic Jewish community leaders through both academic study (seminars, questions, papers) and practical experience (fieldwork requirements). Fieldwork for the IISHJ Rabbinic Program is described in the course descriptions for the requisite courses of Rabbinic Internship:
- PS 444) Rabbinic Internship – Ritual and Celebration in Community (CR: 1)
- PS 445) Rabbinic Internship – Education (CR: 1)
- PS 446) Rabbinic Internship – Life Cycle Ceremony and Counseling (CR: 2)
- PS 447) Rabbinic Internship – Professional Skills (CR: 2)
IISHJ faculty supervise the Rabbinic Internship Program. The program consists of four different courses equaling 6 credits. These four courses can be completed in any term or more than one term as long as the required prerequisite courses have been completed and approved.
The internship projects may either be individual projects or a limited number done in cooperation with or “shadowing” a more experienced IISHJ-trained Leader or Association of Humanistic Rabbis (AHR) member Rabbi. Events occurring prior to internship period may be accepted as meeting these requirements where appropriate in consultation with the Internship supervisor. Elements may be combined or substituted where appropriate in consultation with the Internship supervisor.
Click here to read more about the professional roles, admission requirements and graduation competencies of a Secular Humanistic rabbi. You can also find more on the work of the Humanistic rabbinate through the Association of Humanistic Rabbis, or by reading about our alumni.