PhD in Divinity - History of Judaism in Chicago United States | University of Chicago

The History of Judaism Area focuses on Jewish intellectual traditions spanning ancient times to modernity. We examine Midrash and liturgical poetry, scriptural exegesis and literary works, Sufi mysticism and Kabbalah, along with philosophical and theological discourses - all studied within their historical and interpretive frameworks. Our approach centers on textual analysis, tracing conceptual evolution through Judaism's rich literary heritage. While students specialize in specific historical eras and regions, they also develop an understanding of ideological progression across epochs: from Biblical through Second Temple, Hellenistic, and Rabbinic periods, into Medieval times across Islamic and Christian civilizations, through to contemporary developments in Germany, France, Italy, Israel, and America. The growth of Jewish Studies at Chicago has been supported by faculty appointments across diverse departments including Classics, Philosophy, History, Social Thought, Political Science, Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations, Music, and various language and literature programs. Since its establishment in 1994, the Divinity School's History of Judaism program has trained graduate students while attracting leading scholars in Hebrew Bible, Midrash, Medieval Jewish Thought, and Modern Jewish Thought. This interdisciplinary collaboration has produced one of America's most comprehensive and distinguished Jewish Studies programs.