FAQs

I really want to do a co-op in Israel. What should I do?

Both the Jewish Studies Program and the Office of International Co-op are interested in helping students arrange co-ops in Israel. One of the simplest ways is to work through The Israel Experience. If this program does not seem well suited to you, though, other arrangements can be made. Please contact Jenny Sartori for more information.

I went on Birthright last summer and am dying to go back! What options does Northeastern have for working and studying in Israel?

The Jewish Studies program in committed to providing you with a number of options to continue your learning in Israel. These include:

Please contact Jenny Sartori to discuss which experiences you are more interested in.

If I have taken a class that seems relevant but isn't on your list of Minor classes, can I still get credit for it towards my Jewish Studies Minor?

In many cases, yes. Because Jewish Studies is such an interdisciplinary field, and our classes are in many departments, we are constantly modifying our list of courses for the Jewish Studies Minior and Dual Major in Jewish Studies and Religion. If you have taken a class and aren't sure if you can get credit for it, please email Jenny Sartori at j.sartori@neu.edu and provide a course description and, if possible, a syllabus. If the course includes a substantial amount on Jews or Judaism, we can grant an exception and have it count towards the minor.

I'm really interested in learning more about my Jewish identity and heritage but I know I don't have the time for a minor. What class would you recommend?

The best place to start is PHL/INT U285 Introduction to Jewish Religion and Culture. It will give you a good foundation of Jewish history and religion in a versatile engaging framework.

If you are looking for a more specialized class, you might consider American Jewish History, which will give you a deeper understanding of your own and your family's experiences; Jewish Film, which looks at the American Jewish experience through the lens of popular culture; or Music of the Jewish People, which gives a rich narrative of the Jewish experience through Jewish music.

I just came back from Israel and I really want to learn Hebrew! What kind of program does Northeastern have for Hebrew?

We have a fantastic program for both beginners and those who have some knowledge of the language. Our instructor, Rachel Naamad, has received rave reviews from students. We currently offer Hebrew 1, Hebrew 2, and Hebrew 3.

I'm interested in taking Intro to Jewish Religion and Culture, but I think it might it might be too easy. I went to Hebrew School when I was younger and I don't want to be bored.

Introduction to Jewish Religion and Culture is a very engaging, versatile, and multi-faceted class. Unlike Hebrew School, which is taught from a religious standpoint, it takes an academic, scholarly approach to the material. Many students who have had very strong Jewish educations through day schools or Hebrew schools have learned a great deal in the class.