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Hebrew College

Newton, MA

private nonprofitgraduate

About Hebrew College

Hebrew College: A dynamic center for Jewish learning, culture, and community since 1921.

Hebrew College stands as a vibrant and evolving institution dedicated to Jewish learning and culture. Founded in 1921 as the Hebrew Teachers College, it emerged from the Hebraist model of Jewish teacher training, initially immersing students in an environment where all subjects, regardless of discipline, were taught entirely in Hebrew. This rich historical foundation laid the groundwork for its commitment to deep, authentic Jewish education.

Over the decades, Hebrew College has dynamically adapted to the changing landscape of Jewish studies. While preserving its strong emphasis on Hebrew language and advanced Jewish text study, the curriculum evolved to incorporate English for a broader range of courses. This shift broadened its appeal beyond traditional teacher training, moving towards a focus on comprehensive Hebrew culture programs and community-wide engagement. Landmark initiatives like the pioneering adult education classes, which became the renowned Me'ah program, and the establishment of the Hasidic Texts Institute in 2001, underscore its commitment to making profound Jewish knowledge accessible.

Prospective students and families will find a college with a rich legacy of innovation and community building. From its architectural achievements, including facilities designed by internationally renowned architect Moshe Safdie, to its current vision of co-locating with other leading Jewish organizations, Hebrew College continues to foster an inspiring environment for intellectual and spiritual growth. It offers a unique blend of historical depth, academic rigor, and a forward-looking approach to Jewish life and learning, preparing students to be engaged and knowledgeable leaders within the Jewish world and beyond.

Key Highlights

  • ✦Founded in 1921 as Hebrew Teachers College, part of the pioneering Hebraist model for Jewish teacher training.
  • ✦Historically, all classes were taught entirely in Hebrew, a policy that evolved to a dual-language approach for broader Jewish studies.
  • ✦Established the Hasidic Texts Institute in 2001 for in-depth study of foundational Hasidic texts.
  • ✦Completed modern facilities in Newton, Massachusetts in 2002, designed by internationally renowned architect Moshe Safdie.
  • ✦Successfully refinanced real estate debt in 2012, reducing its original bond obligation by 75%.
  • ✦Pioneered adult education classes in the late 1980s, which became the forerunner of the highly successful Me'ah program.
  • ✦In 2021, announced plans to move to a new campus, co-locating with other major Jewish organizations to create a dynamic community hub.

Timeline

1921
Founded as the Hebrew Teachers College in Roxbury, Massachusetts.
1923
The Hebrew High School ("Prozdor") opened.
1952
Moved its campus to Brookline, Massachusetts.
1987
Samuel Schafler became the sixth president, introducing new programming that significantly expanded the student body.
Late 1980s
Introduced adult education classes, which became the forerunner of the Me'ah program.
2001
Nehemia Polen established the Hasidic Texts Institute.
2002
Completed its Newton, Massachusetts facilities, designed by architect Moshe Safdie.
2012
Successfully refinanced its real estate debt, reducing its original bond obligation by 75%.
2018
Campus sold under a long-term lease-back arrangement; Sharon Cohen Anisfeld became the ninth president.
2021
Announced an agreement to move to Temple Reyim property in Newton and share facilities with other Jewish organizations.

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