Gratz College
Encyclopedia
Gratz College is a general college of Jewish studies
founded in 1895 offering a broad array of credentials and programs in virtually every area of higher Judaic learning to aspiring Jewish educators, communal professionals, lay people and others seeking to become more knowledgeable of Judaism
.
Located in Melrose Park, Pennsylvania
, Gratz College traces its origins back to 1856 when banker, philanthropist and communal leader Hyman Gratz, and the Hebrew Education Society of Philadelphia (established in 1849 by Rebecca Gratz
and Isaac Leeser
) joined together to establish a trust to create a Hebrew teachers college.
It now offers an undergraduate college program leading to a B.A. degree, and a graduate program, leading to master's and doctorates in Jewish education, and a combined doctoral program in Jewish history with Temple University
It also offers training to leading to social work degrees, and to cantorial
investiture, but it does not offer theological training for the rabbinate.
In addition it offers courses in adult education, runs the Jewish Community High School, and operates the Tuttleman Library for Jewish studies.
Jewish studies
Jewish studies is an academic discipline centered on the study of Jews and Judaism. Jewish studies is interdisciplinary and combines aspects of history , religious studies, archeology, sociology, languages , political science, area studies, women's studies, and ethnic studies...
founded in 1895 offering a broad array of credentials and programs in virtually every area of higher Judaic learning to aspiring Jewish educators, communal professionals, lay people and others seeking to become more knowledgeable of Judaism
Judaism
Judaism ) is the "religion, philosophy, and way of life" of the Jewish people...
.
Located in Melrose Park, Pennsylvania
Melrose Park, Pennsylvania
Melrose Park is an unincorporated section of Cheltenham Township, Pennsylvania on the Philadelphia city line. It is bordered to the south by Cheltenham Avenue, to the west by Old York Road, to the east by New Second Street and to the north by Ashbourne Road....
, Gratz College traces its origins back to 1856 when banker, philanthropist and communal leader Hyman Gratz, and the Hebrew Education Society of Philadelphia (established in 1849 by Rebecca Gratz
Rebecca Gratz
Rebecca Gratz was a preeminent Jewish American educator and philanthropist.Gratz was the seventh of twelve children born to Miriam Simon and Michael Gratz...
and Isaac Leeser
Isaac Leeser
Isaac Leeser was an American, Ashkenazi Jewish lay minister of religion, author, translator, editor, and publisher; pioneer of the Jewish pulpit in the United States, and founder of the Jewish press of America. He produced the first Jewish translation of the Bible into English to be published in...
) joined together to establish a trust to create a Hebrew teachers college.
It now offers an undergraduate college program leading to a B.A. degree, and a graduate program, leading to master's and doctorates in Jewish education, and a combined doctoral program in Jewish history with Temple University
Temple University
Temple University is a comprehensive public research university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. Originally founded in 1884 by Dr. Russell Conwell, Temple University is among the nation's largest providers of professional education and prepares the largest body of professional...
It also offers training to leading to social work degrees, and to cantorial
Hazzan
A hazzan or chazzan is a Jewish cantor, a musician trained in the vocal arts who helps lead the congregation in songful prayer.There are many rules relating to how a cantor should lead services, but the idea of a cantor as a paid professional does not exist in classical rabbinic sources...
investiture, but it does not offer theological training for the rabbinate.
In addition it offers courses in adult education, runs the Jewish Community High School, and operates the Tuttleman Library for Jewish studies.