The JTS Beit Midrash Summer Program

Nishma is for anyone interested in developing the language and textual skills that are necessary to access and gain fluency in classical Jewish sources. The program gives students a taste of the depth and breadth of the JTS learning experience and exposes them to the richness of Jewish life in NYC.

During Nishma, you can expect to:

  • Immerse in the Jewish traditional practice of text study. 
  • Improve your Hebrew language skills and gain independence in reading classical Jewish texts 
  • Learn from JTS scholars about their approaches to reading classical Jewish texts 
  • Prepare yourself for a career in Jewish education, communal service, academia, the rabbinate, or the cantorate.  

Sample Daily Schedule

7:30–8:30 a.m.Shaharit (morning prayer)
9:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (4x/week)Text Study
12:30–1:45 p.m.Lunch
1:45–2:00 p.m.Minhah (afternoon prayer)
2:00–4:45 p.m. (4x/week or 3x/week, depending on the class)Hebrew
Evening (once a week)Explore New York City

Course Offerings 2025

Session 1: June 4–July 3, 2025

Morning Classes (according to Hebrew language and textual skills)

RLC 6113 Rabbinic Texts A: Mishnah, Tosefta, and Midrash Halakhah (6 credits)
Rabbi Jessica Spencer
MTWR 9:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

This course will focus primarily on close reading and comparison of these three major tannaitic texts in the original Hebrew. Attention will be given to opportunities for interpretation and expansion, preparing students for the Talmud Bavli approach to reading these sources.  

RLC 6620 Rabbinic Texts B: Taking Hold of TalmudI (6 credits)
Dr. Sarah Wolf
MTWR 9:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

With a focus on building fundamental skills for reading the Talmud Bavli (developing student understanding of structure, technical terminology, basic concepts from rabbinic culture, and rabbinic languages), we will explore a range of passages about Jewish eating drawn from Tractate Hullin. The religious dimension of these texts will also be discussed.  

RLC 6642 Rabbinic Texts C: The Development of Jewish Dietary Regulation through Classical and Medieval Rabbinic Sources 
June 9th to June 26th
MTWR 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 
Dr. Marcus Mordecai Schwartz 
June 29 – July 3 
Rav Ha’Makshir (faculty) 

In this class, we will explore key cases in the development of Rabbinic kosher laws. Topics will include the transfer of forbidden flavors in vessels and utensils, the prohibition of wine produced by gentiles, and the question of whether constant supervision of Jewish food is required. The course will place a strong emphasis on understanding classical and medieval Rabbinic sources while also dedicating time to modern and contemporary applications. In the final week, participants will combine morning text study with practical, hands-on learning in the afternoon. By the end of the course, participants will gain skills in supervising synagogue kitchens, communal events, bakeries, and various types of restaurants.

Afternoon Classes

Course options will be announced soon

For-Credit Option 

You can earn up to six academic credits in the first session of Nishma through the JTS Summer School. Information about tuition for three and six credit summer courses can be found here.  

Session 2: July 7–August 7, 2025

Each week of the session will focus on one of the liturgical readings of that week (Parashah, Haftarah, or Eicha for the week of Tisha B’Av.) Each day of the week will highlight a different approach to reading the Biblical text and will be taught by a different faculty member:

Monday: Biblical Scholarship

Tuesday: Midrashim

Wednesday: Parshanut

Thursday: Jewish Thought

Morning Classes

MTWTh: 9:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m:

9:00–11:00 a.m.: Text study in the Beit Midrash (according to Hebrew language and textual skills)

11:15 a.m.–12:30 p.m.: Professor’s lecture (All levels together)

Afternoon Classes

Course options will be announced soon

Tuition

Rates will be announced soon. Students will be able to sign up weekly for the Morning class in session 2 and the Rabbinic Text C in Session 1.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available for candidates who are applying or have been accepted to JTS graduate programs and for those who are not seeking credit. Scholarships are limited, so apply early.    

Apply to Nishma 

Registration for summer 2025 will be available soon.

Questions?

Feel free to contact us at nishma@jtsa.edu. 

Learn about the Rabbinical School Low-Residency Mekhinah Program, a semester-long program that allows you to build skills for Rabbinical School while living and working wherever you are by participating in online courses, mentorship, and virtual cohorts,