Tuition at a glance: $21,750 all-inclusive for the class starting January 2027 (ordination December 2027), or $22,250 for the class starting September 2027 (ordination June 2028). There’s a $300 non-refundable enrollment fee, and required texts are extra. Payment plans are available, and you don’t pay it all up front. Payment details are below.
Still deciding whether the rabbinate is right for you? Read How to Become a Rabbi: A Complete Guide, or see how the full cost compares in What Does Rabbinical School Cost?
Who we’re looking for
At JSLI we value the life experience our students bring. Our students come with all kinds of skills and backgrounds, and that’s what makes each class rich. Every applicant does need to read siddur Hebrew and have a working knowledge of Jewish history, texts, Shabbat, the festivals, the High Holidays, ritual and lifecycle. You’ll have an interview with the Dean so we can see where you are and whether you’d benefit from extra study first, such as our Mechina preparatory year.
Admission requirements
- A commitment to your own spiritual growth and to serving others
- Support for interfaith marriage. Many Jews are in interfaith relationships and are often overlooked by traditional Jewish organizations. JSLI trains rabbis to serve interfaith and unaffiliated Jews, so this is a core requirement.
- Preparing for and attending a weekly live class of about two and a half to three hours, plus four to eight hours of study a week
- Writing a d’var Torah on the weekly Torah portion for each class
- Attending services at Jewish houses of worship, and occasionally at houses of worship of other faiths. Our affiliated online synagogue, Sim Shalom, holds daily services.
- Agreeing to abide by the JSLI Code of Ethics
When to start
The program runs two semesters. You can begin in September or January, and you’re ordained at our online Ordination Shabbaton the following June or December.
How to enroll
- Apply online.
- We’ll set up an interview with our Founder and Dean, Rabbi Steven Blane.
- If you’re accepted, you’ll complete the enrollment paperwork and pay the enrollment fee.
Questions about cost or payment plans? Contact us or call (201) 338-0165.
Tuition
JSLI- Begin Study Jan. 2027 – Ordination Dec. 2027
Non Refundable Enrollment fee: $300
Full and complete tuition: $21,750. This is the full tuition and includes two semesters leading to S’micha in Dec. 2027. Payment plans are available. There are additional fees for required texts.
The Ordination Weekend will be Online.
JSLI- Begin Study Sept. 2027 – Ordination June 2028
Non Refundable Enrollment fee: $300
Full and complete tuition: $22,250. This is the full tuition and includes two semesters leading to S’micha in June 2028. Payment plans are available. There are additional fees for required texts.
The Ordination Weekend will be Online
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Payment Plans are available. Call us to discuss.
Take a look at the document “Finding Funds” for funding suggestions.