German Research Institutions

The Hochschule für Jüdische Studien (HfJS), Heidelberg is a place of lively scholarly engagement with all facets of Jewish religion, history, cultures and societies. The proximity to the historical legacy of the original landscape of Ashkenaz offers both scholarly and religious inspiration for work at the university. The university's interest nevertheless centres on the entirety of Jewish cultures across geographical and chronological boundaries: in the past and the present, as a self-reliant Jewish people, within the Diaspora and likewise within the land of Israel.

The HfJS is open to all students and scholars, regardless of race or creed. The interplay of internal and external perspectives enables the university to deepen its understanding of religion, history, culture and society. Teaching staff and graduates alike are continuing to refine our knowledge of Jewish history and theology. As a European centre of excellence, the university enables various determinations and perspectives for the future both within and outside the Jewish communities of Europe.

In a society that is in the throes of rapid change, the university is building bridges

• as the largest European site for Jewish Studies, in cooperation with the humanities and social sciences in Heidelberg
• as an academic place of study and learning for Jewish and non-Jewish students
• between academia and society
• between academia and community life in training congregation staff
• as a place of dialogue between Jews, Christians and Muslims

Research

HfJS offers a doctoral programme conferring the academic degree of Doctor of Philosophy.