Jewish Studies may be understood broadly as the study of Jewish history and culture, in all its manifestations. To study it at university level is to combine the great traditions of disciplined academic research with the richness of Jewish culture and experience. At the same time, it appeals to many Jewish students as providing a unique insight and source of understanding of their own tradition. Above all, Jewish Studies at university involves dialogue, between traditional Jewish sources on the one hand and the critical methodology of the university on the other.
More specialised studies vary from one university to another.
Jewish culture in the past has been enormously enriched by its interaction with other traditions. For over a century, the modern university has provided a new context for such interactions. It is hardly necessary to stress the importance of this opportunity for the future of Jewish life, so much threatened nowadays by polarisation. In this respect, the appeal of Jewish Studies to the Jewish student requires no apology.