At JSLI, rabbinical school takes one year. You study in two semesters of live weekly online classes, starting in September or January, and you’re ordained at our online Ordination Shabbaton the following June or December. A traditional residential seminary usually takes about five years of full-time study, often including a year in Israel.
Why can JSLI do it in a year?
JSLI is built for adults who already bring a lot with them. Our students arrive reading siddur Hebrew and with a working knowledge of Jewish history, texts, holidays, ritual and lifecycle, and many have taught, led services or served on synagogue boards for years. We don’t make them start over. Each weekly module covers ground a traditional seminary would spread over a semester, and it’s focused on the practical work of the rabbinate: teaching Torah, leading prayer, pastoral care, and officiating at weddings, funerals and b’nai mitzvah.
What does the year look like?
Class meets live by video conference once a week for about two and a half hours. Between classes you’ll spend four to eight hours on reading, assignments and a weekly d’var Torah. To finish, you lead an Erev Shabbat service, write a final dissertation and give a Lunch and Learn presentation.
What if I need more background?
If you aren’t ready yet, our Mechina preparatory year builds the foundation you’ll need, which makes the full path about two years. Cantorial School is a separate two-year program; see How Long Is Cantorial School?
Learn more about the Rabbinical School or read How to Become a Rabbi.