A lit menorah.

Programs of study

Jewish studies has become a vibrant, growing academic field. Our program offers fascinating insights into the societies and cultures Jewish people have been part of — from Biblical times to the present day.

Arabic, Hebrew and Yiddish languages

The Judaic Studies program offers courses in Arabic language, Hebrew language and literature and Yiddish language and literature. Please check the Aurora course catalog for availability of courses each term.

Special permission

Certain language courses require special permission, or consent, before you are able to register. If this is the case,

  • contact the course instructor (who will be listed in Aurora with the course information). If the instructor grants permission,
  • complete the Faculty of Arts Departmental Permission Form. Full instructions and deadlines to complete this form are available on the form.
  • Once the registration block is removed, you will be able to register for the course on-line.

Student resources and opportunities

Explore student awards, opportunities to practice language skills or to study abroad and external resources offering more information on Judaic studies.

Student awards

There are scholarships and awards available to students who best meet the requirements. All Judaic Studies awards are only available to those students who have declared a Judaic Studies minor. 

Awards requiring application

Berdie and Irvin Cohen Scholarship (travel award)

Awarded to students who:

  • have completed at least one year of full-time study at the University of Manitoba or have graduated from the University of Manitoba within the five years immediately preceding application for this scholarship, and
  • are admitted to and enroll at Hebrew University in Israel for one year of study in the year in which the scholarship is tenable, and
  • have achieved a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0. For selection purposes, a high degree of weighting will be placed on the applicant’s cumulative grade point average.

Preference in selection is given to graduate students.

Students enrolled in study at Hebrew University at the time of application for this scholarship may also apply and will be considered eligible.

Upon completion of the year of study, all successful applicant(s) will be required to submit a report on their experience. Examples of topics to be included are why they applied for the scholarship, what they gained from the experience, their preconceptions, post conceptions and/or misconceptions and any other relevant personal or academic information. 

Application deadline: July 15

Apply for the Berdie and Irvin Cohen Scholarship (PDF)

Rabbi Dr. Moshe Stern Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to an undergraduate or graduate student who meets the following criteria:

  1. has completed at least 30 credit hours of study in any program at the University of Manitoba
  2. has achieved a minimum degree grade point average of 3.0
  3. has demonstrated community involvement
  4. has completed at least one course in Judaic studies at UM
  5. is enrolled part-time or full-time in any UM school or faculty or any other accredited university (Canadian or international) to pursue Judaic studies, in the year in which the scholarship is tenable, with the provision that:
    a) a student who is pursuing an academic program of study may register at any accredited university; or
    b) if a student chooses to pursue a theological program of study, enrolment must be at an accredited Orthodox Jewish post-secondary institution.

Application deadline: ??

How to apply

To obtain an application form, please contact the Financial Aid and Awards office at awards@umanitoba.ca or 204-474-9531

Awards with automatic consideration

Hebrew language and literature awards

Harry Silverberg Scholarship

Awarded to the student who meets these criteria:

  1. attains the highest mark in any course in Hebrew literature
  2. satisfactorily completes a full year of study in a degree program at the University of Manitoba, and
  3. registers in the next ensuing academic session for the next year in course

Israel and Bessie Parr Prize

Awarded to a student who has completed a least one year of university study and has achieved high standing in a course in Hebrew language and/or literature.

Wolinsky Scholarship

Awarded to two students who have accomplished at a high level in courses in Hebrew.

Religion awards

Harry Berger Scholarship

Awarded to a student who achieves high academic standing in a course in Judaic studies offered by the Department of Religion.

Rose Dora Baru Prize

Awarded to the UM student who:

  1. attains high academic standing in at least one Judaic studies course offered by the Department of Religion, and
  2. has clear standing on a full academic study program with a grade-point average of not less than 3.0.

Other awards

David Silverberg Scholarship

Awarded to the undergraduate student who meets these criteria:

  1. has completed at least 24 credit hours of full-time study in University 1 or any direct entry program
  2. has achieved a minimum degree grade point average of 3.5
  3. has completed at least 6 credit hours in Judaic studies courses and has declared either a major or minor in Judaic studies during the previous 12 months
  4. from among those who meet criteria (1) through (3), has achieved the highest combined average on their best 6 credit hours of Judaic studies courses
  5. in the next ensuing academic session, is enrolled full-time in any UM faculty or school and has registered for at least 6 additional credit hours of Judaic studies courses.

Edith Rose Berger Prize

Awarded to a student attaining high standing in any course offered in the Hebrew Studies Program.

Gershon and Adela Grubert Memorial Prize

Awarded to a student who achieves high standing in the Hebrew Studies Program.

Practice your skills at the Language Centre

As in all language departments, students have access to the Faculty of Arts Language Centre with language laboratories that are well stocked with a variety of recorded material (to help with learning through listening), language practice software, books, videos, games and programs designed specifically for certain courses that contain a lab component. Language tutors are also available. 

Near Eastern and Biblical Archaeology Laboratory (NEBAL)

The Near Eastern and Biblical Archaeology Laboratory (NEBAL), established in 2010,  provides an integrated research and administrative centre for the study of ancient cultures of the Near East and eastern Mediterranean. All related archaeological remains throughout UM are being gathered in this location for analysis and curation. The lab is located in St. Paul's College and offers:

  • a premiere research facility to international researchers
  • student mentoring and training
  • travel-study courses
  • community outreach and volunteer opportunities

History

In 1950, the University of Manitoba pioneered the establishment of Jewish studies at Canadian universities and founded a Department of Near Eastern Studies. Among the early faculty members was Rabbi Dr. Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, known today as a seminal influence in contemporary Jewish religious thought, who directed the program from 1964 to 1975. Dr. Arthur Chiel, Dr. Judah Stampfer, the late Dr. Moshe Stern, and Dr. Neal Rose (chair from 1975-1979), among others, also contributed their scholarship and leadership to Judaic Studies. In 1989, the program was reduced in scope. Dr. Moshe Nahir, who served as chair since 1979, ably coordinated the reduced program until 2009, ensuring the survival of the language component by offering classes in Hebrew at all levels. Dr. Benjamin Bader coordinated the program from 2009-2013. Dr. Haskel Greenfield has led the program since 2013.

Jewish Studies has become a vibrant, growing academic field, offered at a number of universities in North America and worldwide.  It is hoped that, with support from students and the public, the Judaic Studies program at UM will continue to grow.

Donations

Judaic studies is a vibrant, growing academic field. With your help, we can set the program on the path to future success through your contributions.

MaryAnn Lippay Kanee and Stephen Kanee Judaic Studies Endowment Fund

The MaryAnn Lippay Kanee and Stephen Kanee Judaic Studies Endowment Fund supports instruction and courses based in the Judaic studies program that relate to Jewish languages, such as Hebrew and Yiddish, and courses with Jewish content.

Yiddish Language and Culture Endowment Fund

The Yiddish Language and Culture Endowment Fund supports the instruction of courses based in the Judaic studies program that relate to Yiddish language and culture.

Become a donor

If you'd like to support Judaic Studies, you can donate to one of the existing funds listed or you may be interested in establishing an endowment of your own at UM that supports the program, research or a professorship or an annually funded student award such as a bursary, fellowship, prize or scholarship. Your investment will help transform the lives of students and faculty. 

Contact us

Judaic Studies Program
328 Fletcher Argue Building
15 Chancellors Circle
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada

204-474-9516
204-474-7601