Why Judaic Studies?

"When I first arrived at the University of Cincinnati as a transfer student in the fall of 2012, I had no idea what to expect. I was so overwhelmed by this new environment and felt lost in the sea of students. Thankfully, my advisor at the time, John Brolley, told me about the Religious Studies certificate in the Judaic Studies Department after I explained to him that I had dreams of becoming an ordained minister.

During my first semester, I took two of the required courses for the certificate and quickly realized that it was the perfect choice for me.  Every course I have taken during my time at UC has been important in my personal formation as a student, but the courses offered through the Religious Studies certificate have also helped me to become a better human being. Being able to sit in a classroom with students from completely different cultural backgrounds and religious traditions has forced me to challenge long-held beliefs about organized religion, as well as helped me to discover new and powerful ways to connect with the diverse communities around me.

I am so thankful to the Judaic Studies Department for creating the certificate because I now feel more prepared to go out into the world and create positive change.

This fall I will be attending Yale Divinity School, where I will have the honor and privilege of studying through their Master of Divinity Program. Without the Judaic Studies Department and the Religious Studies certificate, I can honestly say I would not be as prepared to take this next step as I am.

As I move forward in my educational career, I will take with me incredible conversations with instructors that expanded my scope of what religion is, powerful classroom conversations that opened my eyes to new and beautiful ways of seeing the world, and countless binders filled with lecture notes that I know will serve as vital resources in graduate school.

I am proud to be a graduate of the University of Cincinnati, but even more proud to have been a part of the Judaic Studies Department and the Religious Studies Certificate. Thank you for inspiring me to do good things in this world and for believing in me every step of the way. I hope to make you proud."

-- Jordan Bucey Rebholz '15

"Entering my freshman at the University of Cincinnati I knew two things, that I wanted to work with youth and that I wanted to continue with my Jewish learning I received growing up. I started my college experience as an education major and quickly became involved in Hillel, the Jewish Student Center on campus, and Alpha Epsilon Pi, the Jewish Fraternity on campus. After two years I realized that I did not want to become a teacher, but did not know what path I was going to choose. I decided to take a year off to receive my minor in Judaic Studies. I had learned about the department from my work with Hillel and AEPi and thought that taking some of the Judaic Studies courses would help me determine what I wanted to do after college.

During this year I was able to take advantage of some amazing opportunities that led me to choosing a career path in Jewish non-profit organizations. I saw many benefits to majoring in Judaic Studies and decided that pairing that major with a minor in Organization Leadership was the perfect match for what I wanted to do. With the help of the Judaic Studies Staff I was led towards part time work at local Synagogues and the Mayerson JCC, where I now work full time as the Youth and Family Programming Assistant.

Due to the knowledge I have received in Jewish history and thought, Hebrew, and Jewish culture I feel prepared to begin my journey as a Jewish professional! I am thankful for the Judaic Studies department and Staff for helping me during my journey and leading me in the right direction towards success."

-- Brett Musick '15

"I first took courses in Judaic Studies as a way to prepare for applying to the rabbinical program at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. Through the financial support and mentoring received in the Judaic Studies Department, I was able to apply for the graduate certificate program.

I am very fortunate to be studying in this department. The faculty is compassionate as well as academically superlative, encouraging individual and creative thinking while fostering and guiding students to a deeper understanding of the material, incorporating scholastic excellence. I always feel welcome and comfortable exploring ideas with professors, whether or not I study with them. Classes are small, creating a sense of community with fellow students as well as a meaningful rapport with the professor. In a course I had last semester, one of my classmates was slightly shocked and impressed by how much the professor was willing to do to help a struggling classmate.

I know I will integrate the knowledge and understanding I am gaining about Judaic Studies into my future academic and professional pursuits. It is my hope that I will successfully follow the example of the Judaic Studies faculty and incorporate their pedagogical style and personal empathy into my future career as a rabbi. I would like to thank the Kim and Henry Heiman Family Foundation Fund and the Milton Orchin Fund for their generous support in my pursuit of a graduate certificate in Judaic Studies."

-- Caroline Sim '15