Our extensive Jewish Studies program covers courses in Jewish history, Bible, and Rabbinics. In grades 9 through 12, every student takes two courses in each of these three subjects, or six courses each year.

Bible
Throughout the four years at the American Hebrew Academy, Bible studies emphasizes "leaders and leadership." Each year focuses on different aspects of the theme in various sections of the Bible. Some of our goals: to develop your intellectual curiosity and research abilities, to inspire an appreciation of Biblical literature, and to encourage you to add your own insights to the lessons learned.

Rabbinics
The Jewish tradition is an expression of the teachings explicated in both legal and narrative Rabbinic literature (Midrash, Mishnah, Talmud, Codes & Responsa). Much of this literature is written in Aramaic and Hebrew and uses literary styles that require much training to decode. For all of these reasons, you need to study Rabbinics in a formal setting.

Throughout your years at the Academy, you'll build content and text-reading skills in the various genres of Rabbinic literature. The emphasis is on developing skills in Talmudic Aramaic and Rabbinic Hebrew and the Talmud's distinctive style of discussion and analysis.

Course work focuses on basic Talmudic language and analytical skills, particular significant topics, and Rabbinic codes.

Bringing Israel Home
Our Jewish Studies teachers have lived and taught in Israel and major centers of Jewish learning. Josh Moss, taught in the religion department at Wright State University and in the rabbinical school at Hebrew Union College, where he earned his Ph.D. in Rabbinic Literature. His first book, "Midrash and Legend," is forthcoming from Gorgias Press.

Jewish History
The study of Jewish history immerses you in the stories, personalities, and events that have shaped the Jewish people from its earliest beginnings in the shifting sands of pre-history, through the birth of Israel some 55 years ago, up to the present day.

Our Jewish History program takes an innovative approach: we begin by looking at today's events within the context of contemporary Jewish history. The big question: "How did this come to be?" Over four years, we'll slowly make our way back to post-Biblical days. The guiding idea is to make studying Jewish history a personal journey of discovery. Along the way, you can uncover your own roots and find common connections with the history of our people.

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