Provisional University Bulletin (2025-2026)

• BA/MA
• Master of Arts

The Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership Program prepares leaders to understand and confront the challenges of a rapidly changing Jewish community, and to help shape its future. Intellectually robust, and experientially varied, the program offers five separate dual-degree tracks which students complete in approximately 21 months (4.5 semesters) and a stand-alone MA in Jewish Professional Leadership which students complete in approximately 12 months (2.5 semesters). The dual-degree options are as follows:

• MA/MBA program with the Heller School of Social Policy and Management.
• MA/MPP program with the Heller School of Social Policy and Management.
• MA/MA program with the Department of Near Eastern and Judaic Studies.
• MA/EdM program with Department of Education
• BA/MA program with the undergraduate School of Arts and Sciences 

All programs combine top-quality scholarship, professional education, national and international travel, and carefully selected field experiences to equip leaders with the tools necessary to help craft twenty-first-century Jewish life.

Students in the Hornstein program have the opportunity to study with outstanding scholars and practitioners whose work shapes Jewish discourse, policy, and professional practice. The curriculum integrates courses in Jewish studies, nonprofit management, and Jewish communal leadership, and highlights the role of evidence-based practice in achieving communal success.

MA in Jewish Professional Leadership

Knowledge 

1. Gain knowledge of historical models of leadership, lay and religious, in Jewish history
2. Understand historical and theoretical precedents and perspectives on Jewish leadership practice.
3. Explore and analyze multiple approaches to leadership by studying texts and research in the field and speaking with contemporary leaders of the Jewish community.
4. Deepen familiarity with, access to and use of Jewish sources to inform personal approaches to leadership.
5. Understand the purposes, strategies for, and challenges presented by socio-demographic research in the Jewish communal context.
6. Gain familiarity with the Jewish organizational landscape of North America and develop stronger knowledge of the various sectors of this complex landscape, including its diversity of organizations, leaders, and issues.

Core Skills

1. Learn about critical areas of non-profit management including strategic planning, marketing and strategic communications, financial management, and public relations.
2.  Examine the current structure and mission of Jewish organizations with a focus on change, innovation, and use of best practices.
3.  Understand the pivotal role of a comprehensive program of Jewish philanthropy and fundraising to pursue growth-oriented and sustainable financial resource development that leads to greater Jewish communal vitality and impact.
4. Develop fundamental fundraising acumen and skills including how to develop a case for giving. 
5. Develop understanding and skills for how to use Human Resources management to lead a successful team or organization.
6. Gain conceptual understanding of research on and the principles of organizational behavior including organizational structure, culture, and effectiveness.
7. Understand the responsibilities and roles of the Board of Directors in nonprofit organizations.
8. Experience conducting an assessment of an organizational problem including how to conduct a stakeholder analysis.
9.  Apply core learning in organizational settings through professional field placements in Jewish organizations.
10. Develop a working understanding of the concepts of evaluation research and their application to a diverse set of programs relevant to the Jewish community.
11. Gain skills for interpreting basic descriptive and inferential statistics.
12.  Learn how to develop and use a logic model.
13.  Learn how to develop and use a theory of change.
14.  Learn how to formulate a plan for implementation and outcome research.
15. Expand networks of professional contacts through guest speakers, visits to Jewish nonprofits and interviews with Jewish leaders.
16. Learn how to demonstrate professional and academic history in practical tools such as a resume and cover letters.
17. Refine written and verbal communication skills.
18.  Learn how to facilitate respectful, productive conversations on even the most difficult and complex subjects.

Social Justice

1. Appreciate debates about fundamental concepts in leadership, including authority, privacy, consultation, community, which take place in other minoritized populations.
2. Understand issues of diversity, equity and privilege within Jewish communities.
3. Perform all research, leadership, and community interactions following the highest ethical and professional standards of the field.

Graduate Outcomes

The Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership MA program provides core knowledge and skills leading to a variety of careers and next steps.

Almost universally, Hornstein graduates seeking employment upon graduation acquire excellent placements across the top range of Jewish organizations.

MA/MBA program with the Heller School of Social Policy and Management

Knowledge

1. Understand the history, cultural context, and development of present-day Jewish communities in North America, Israel, and throughout the globe, with a focus on the contemporary status and futures of these Jewish communities.
2. Understand and compare leadership practices through for-profit, not-for- profit, and Jewish frameworks.
3. Examine the current structure and mission of Jewish organizations with a focus on change, innovation, and best practices.
4. Learn social-scientific methodologies to collect, analyze, apply, and evaluate data that informs both routine and critical decision-making.
5. Acquire fundraising and development expertise in support of community care, advancement, and innovation.
6. Explore the broad range of classical and contemporary Jewish texts as sources for leadership perspective and performance.
7. Apply and evaluate core learning in organizational settings through professional field placements in Jewish organizations.
8. Acquire reading, writing, understanding, and speaking skills in basic modern Hebrew.
9. Gain experiential understanding of world Jewish communities through educational travel seminars in New York City, Israel, and Eastern Europe.
10. Gain the knowledge and core skills prescribed by the dual-degree MBA guidelines in social impact management, financial literacy, communication, collaboration, mobilizing and developing capabilities of individuals and organizations, and integrative skills.

Core Skills

1. Articulate and help execute leadership vision for the Jewish community.
2. Understand trends, frame issues, and apply professional skills in new and creative ways.
3. Develop decision-making skills based on evidence, data, critical thinking, reflective practice, and collaboration.
4. Hone oral, written, listening, and multimedia communication skills to effectively convey knowledge, express perspectives, and present evidence- based, persuasive positions.
5. Develop facilitation, collaboration, and conflict management skills.
6. Demonstrate the ability to conceive and carry out an integrative, synthetic team consulting project that demonstrates graduate- and professional-level competencies in the knowledge and skills acquired in the dual-degree program of study.

Social Justice

1. Understand the broad diversities within the Jewish communities, engaging all its members as partners and planners.
2. Deepen understanding of diverse global communities, perspectives, and traditions, helping to advance positive and peaceful inter-group cooperation and helping to ensure the rights and well-being of all people.
3. Perform all research, leadership, teaching, social service, and community interactions following the highest ethical and professional standards of the field.

Graduate Outcomes

The dual-degree Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership MA/ Heller MBA program provides core knowledge and skills leading to a variety of careers and next steps.

One hundred percent of Hornstein graduates seeking Ph.D.s, rabbinic ordination, or employment upon graduation acquire excellent placements across the top range of graduate schools and Jewish organizations.

MA/MPP program with the Heller School of Social Policy and Management

Knowledge

1. Understand the history, cultural context, and development of present-day Jewish communities in North America, Israel, and throughout the globe, with a focus on the contemporary status and futures of these Jewish communities.
2. Understand and compare leadership practices through for-profit, not-for-profit, and Jewish frameworks.
3. Examine the current structure and mission of Jewish organizations with a focus on change, innovation, and best practices.
4. Learn social-scientific methodologies to collect, analyze, apply, and evaluate data that informs both routine and critical decision-making.
5. Acquire fundraising and development expertise in support of community care, advancement, and innovation.
6. Explore the broad range of classical and contemporary Jewish texts as sources for leadership perspective and performance.
7. Apply and evaluate core learning in organizational settings through professional field placements in Jewish organizations.
8. Acquire reading, writing, understanding, and speaking skills in basic modern Hebrew.
9. Gain experiential understanding of world Jewish communities through educational travel seminars in New York City, Israel, and Eastern Europe.
10. Gain the knowledge and core skills prescribed by the dual-degree MPP guidelines in communication, quantitative and qualitative research and reasoning, policy and program evaluation, historical understanding of policy formation, and the structure and functioning of government and policy- related organizations.

Core Skills

1. Articulate and help execute leadership vision for the Jewish community.
2. Understand trends, frame issues, and apply professional skills in new and creative ways.
3. Develop decision-making skills based on evidence, data, critical thinking, reflective practice, and collaboration.
4. Hone oral, written, listening, and multimedia communication skills to effectively convey knowledge, express perspectives, and present evidence- based, persuasive positions.
5. Develop facilitation, collaboration, and conflict management skills.
6. Demonstrate the ability to conceive and carry out an integrative, synthetic capstone policy paper that demonstrates graduate- and professional-level competencies in the knowledge and skills acquired in the dual-degree program of study.

Social Justice

1. Understand the broad diversities within the Jewish communities, engaging all its members as partners and planners.
2. Deepen understanding of diverse global communities, perspectives, and traditions, helping to advance positive and peaceful inter-group cooperation and helping to ensure the rights and well-being of all people.
3. Perform all research, leadership, teaching, social service, and community interactions following the highest ethical and professional standards of the field.

Graduate Outcomes

The dual-degree Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership MA/Heller MPP program provides core knowledge and skills leading to a variety of careers and next steps.

One hundred percent of Hornstein graduates seeking Ph.D.s or employment upon graduation acquire excellent placements across the top range of graduate schools and Jewish organizations.

MA/MA program with the Department of Near Eastern and Judaic Studies

Knowledge

1. Understand the history, cultural context, and development of present-day Jewish communities in North America, Israel, and throughout the globe, with a focus on the contemporary status and futures of these Jewish communities.
2. Understand and compare leadership practices through for-profit, not-for-profit, and Jewish frameworks.
3. Examine the current structure and mission of Jewish organizations with a focus on change, innovation, and best practices.
4. Learn social-scientific methodologies to collect, analyze, apply, and evaluate data that informs both routine and critical decision-making.
5. Acquire fundraising and development expertise in support of community care, advancement, and innovation.
6. Explore the broad range of classical and contemporary Jewish texts as sources for leadership perspective and performance.
7. Apply and evaluate core learning in organizational settings through professional field placements in Jewish organizations.
8. Acquire reading, writing, understanding, and speaking skills in basic modern Hebrew.
9. Gain experiential understanding of world Jewish communities through educational travel seminars in New York City, Israel, and Eastern Europe.
10. Gain the knowledge and core skills prescribed by the dual-degree NEJS MA guidelines in historical knowledge, religious traditions, scholarly research methods and analytic skills, research language(s), and an appreciation of religious and cultural diversities.

Core Skills

1. Articulate and help execute leadership vision for the Jewish community.
2. Understand trends, frame issues, and apply professional skills in new and creative ways.
3. Develop decision-making skills based on evidence, data, critical thinking, reflective practice, and collaboration.
4. Hone oral, written, listening, and multimedia communication skills to effectively convey knowledge, express perspectives, and present evidence- based, persuasive positions.
5. Develop facilitation, collaboration, and conflict management skills.
6. Demonstrate the ability to conceive and carry out an integrative, synthetic final thesis or project that demonstrates graduate- and professional-level competencies in the knowledge and skills acquired in the dual-degree program of study.

Social Justice

1. Understand the broad diversities within the Jewish community, engaging all its members as partners and planners.
2. Deepen understanding of diverse global communities, perspectives, and traditions, helping to advance positive and peaceful inter-group cooperation and helping to ensure the rights and well-being of all people.
3. Perform all research, leadership, teaching, social service, and community interactions following the highest ethical and professional standards of the field.

Graduate Outcomes

The dual-degree Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership MA/ Near Eastern and Judaic Studies MA program provides core knowledge and skills leading to a variety of careers and next steps.

One hundred percent of Hornstein graduates seeking PhDs, rabbinic ordination, or employment upon graduation acquire excellent placements across the top range of graduate schools and Jewish organizations.

MA/EdM Program with the Department of Education

Knowledge

1. Understand the history, cultural context, and development of present-day Jewish communities in North America, Israel, and throughout the globe, with a focus on the contemporary status and futures of these Jewish communities.
2. Understand and compare leadership practices through for-profit, not-for-profit, and Jewish frameworks.
3. Examine the current structure and mission of Jewish organizations with a focus on change, innovation, and best practices.
4. Learn social-scientific methodologies to collect, analyze, apply, and evaluate data that informs both routine and critical decision-making.
5. Acquire fundraising and development expertise in support of community care, advancement, and innovation.
6. Explore the broad range of classical and contemporary Jewish texts as sources for leadership perspective and performance.
7. Apply and evaluate core learning in organizational settings through professional field placements in Jewish organizations.
8. Acquire reading, writing, understanding, and speaking skills in basic modern Hebrew.
9. Gain experiential understanding of world Jewish communities through educational travel seminars in New York City, Israel, and Eastern Europe.

Core Skills

1. Articulate and help execute leadership vision for the Jewish community.
2. Understand trends, frame issues, and apply professional skills in new and creative ways.
3. Develop decision-making skills based on evidence, data, critical thinking, reflective practice, and collaboration.
4. Hone oral, written, listening, and multimedia communication skills to effectively convey knowledge, express perspectives, and present evidence-based, persuasive positions.
5. Develop facilitation, collaboration, and conflict management skills.
6. Analyze visions of Jewish education and think critically and creatively about Jewish educational programming.
7. Design, implement and assess Jewish educational programs for adolescents and adults.
8. Draw upon a deeper understanding of Jewish history, tradition and culture in designing the educational programs.
9. Draw upon a deeper understanding of human development and learning to design programs that meet diverse learning needs.
10. Work productively with a staff of educators to meet the diverse needs of program participants.
11. Actively seek feedback and advice on one’s educational practice from peers and supervisors.
12. Work effectively as educators in a variety of settings where Jewish teaching and learning takes place. 
13. Demonstrate the ability to conceive and carry out an integrative, synthetic project that demonstrates graduate- and professional-level competencies in the knowledge and skills acquired in the dual-degree program of study.

Social Justice

1. Understand the broad diversities within the Jewish community, engaging all its members as partners and planners.
2. Deepen understanding of diverse global communities, perspectives, and traditions, helping to advance positive and peaceful inter-group cooperation and helping to ensure the rights and well-being of all people.
3. Perform all research, leadership, teaching, social service, and community interactions following the highest ethical and professional standards of the field.

Graduate Outcomes

The dual-degree Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership MA/ Education Department EdM program provides core knowledge and skills leading to a variety of careers and next steps.

Spring 2022 marked the first graduating cohort from this program and students are being sought for excellent placements across the top range of graduate schools and Jewish organizations.

BA/MA Program with the Undergraduate School of Arts and Sciences

Knowledge

1. Gain knowledge of historical models of leadership, lay and religious, in Jewish history
2. Understand historical and theoretical precedents and perspectives on Jewish leadership practice.
3. Explore and analyze multiple approaches to leadership by studying texts and research in the field and speaking with contemporary leaders of the Jewish community.
4. Deepen familiarity with, access to and use of Jewish sources to inform personal approaches to leadership.
5. Understand the purposes, strategies for, and challenges presented by socio-demographic research in the Jewish communal context.
6. Gain familiarity with the Jewish organizational landscape of North America and develop stronger knowledge of the various sectors of this complex landscape, including its diversity of organizations, leaders, and issues.

Core Skills

1. Learn about critical areas of non-profit management including strategic planning, marketing and strategic communications, financial management, and public relations.
2. Examine the current structure and mission of Jewish organizations with a focus on change, innovation, and use of best practices.
3. Understand the pivotal role of a comprehensive program of Jewish philanthropy and fundraising to pursue growth-oriented and sustainable financial resource development that leads to greater Jewish communal vitality and impact.
4. Develop fundamental fundraising acumen and skills including how to develop a case for giving. 
5. Develop understanding and skills for how to use Human Resources management to lead a successful team or organization.
6. Gain conceptual understanding of research on and the principles of organizational behavior including organizational structure, culture, and effectiveness.
7. Understand the responsibilities and roles of the Board of Directors in nonprofit organizations.
8. Experience conducting an assessment of an organizational problem including how to conduct a stakeholder analysis.
9. Apply core learning in organizational settings through professional field placements in Jewish organizations.
10. Develop a working understanding of the concepts of evaluation research and their application to a diverse set of programs relevant to the Jewish community.
11. Gain skills for interpreting basic descriptive and inferential statistics.
12.  Learn how to develop and use a logic model.
13. Learn how to develop and use a theory of change.
14. Learn how to formulate a plan for implementation and outcome research.
15. Expand networks of professional contacts through guest speakers, visits to Jewish nonprofits and interviews with Jewish leaders.
16. Learn how to demonstrate professional and academic history in practical tools such as a resume and cover letters.
17. Refine written and verbal communication skills.
18. Learn how to facilitate respectful, productive conversations on even the most difficult and complex subjects.

Social Justice

1. Appreciate debates about fundamental concepts in leadership, including authority, privacy, consultation, community, which take place in other minoritized populations.
2. Understand issues of diversity, equity and privilege within Jewish communities.
3. Perform all research, leadership, and community interactions following the highest ethical and professional standards of the field.

Graduate Outcomes

The dual-degree/ Undergraduate BA/Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership MA program provides core knowledge and skills leading to a variety of careers and next steps.

One hundred percent of Hornstein graduates seeking Ph.D.s, rabbinic ordination, or employment upon graduation acquire excellent placements across the top range of graduate schools and Jewish organizations.

Please see the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Admissions section of the Bulletin for information on Admission to the program. For information on our program’s specific application requirements, please see the Hornstein website.

Fern Chertok, Interim Director of Hornstein and Director of Advising and Fieldwork
Evaluation research, organizational behavior, impact of Jewish adult education, and involvement of interfaith families in synagogues.

Joseph Reimer
Jewish experiential education, professional leadership development, and Jewish learning in summer camps.

Jonathan D. Sarna
American Jewish history and life, Jews in the Americas, American religion, American Jews and Israel.

Barry Shrage, Professor of the Practice
Jewish engagement, nonprofit leadership and management, development and fundraising, Jewish identity education.

Affiliated Faculty (contributing to the curriculum, advising and administration of the department or program)

Brenda Anderson, Senior Lecturer (Heller School for Social Policy and Management, International Business School)

Lawrence Bailis, Associate Professor (Heller School for Social Policy and Management)

Carole Carlson, Senior Lecturer and MBA Program Director (Heller School for Social Policy and Management)

Michael Doonan, Associate Professor and MPP Program Director (Heller School for Social Policy and Management)

Jonathan Krasner, Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Associate Professor (Mandel Center for Studies in Jewish Education, Near Eastern and Judaic Studies)

Jon Levisohn, Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Associate Professor (Mandel Center for Studies in Jewish Education, Near Eastern and Judaic Studies)

Adjunct Faculty

Jonathan Golden, Lecturer
American Jewish history. History of Zionism and Israel. History of the Israel-Palestinian conflict. Israel Education.

Meredith Lewis, Lecturer
Nonprofit management, transition management, community engagement, product design, and journalism.

Daniel Parmer, Lecturer
Contemporary Jewish life and identity, survey/research/design, and qualitative analysis.

Tom Rose, Lecturer
Clinical psychology, human resources management and HR exectuive in the for-profit and nonprofit worlds.

Kimberlee Schumacher, Lecturer
Management consulting, strategy, fundraising, and nonprofit leadership.

Andrea B. Wasserman, Lecturer
Strategic planning, organizational development, philanthropy and fundraising in Jewish nonprofits.

See the Department of Near Eastern and Judaic Studies in this Bulletin, and the Heller School for Social Policy and Management website for related faculty.

Requirements for the Dual Degree of Master of Arts/Master of Business Administration (Hornstein MA in Professional Jewish Leadership, and the Heller School for Social Policy and Management MBA)

Program of Study
This program prepares professional leaders with the full complement of business and nonprofit management skills, as well as specialized knowledge of Judaic studies and contemporary Jewish life. The program blends the Heller School's management curriculum with the Hornstein program's integrated approach to Jewish leadership training. Graduates of the dual-degree program receive two master's degrees: a Master of Arts in Jewish Professional Leadership from the Hornstein Program and an MBA from the Heller School for Social Policy and Management.

Degree Requirements

The dual degree requires eighty course credits including:

A. Specific Hornstein courses, as follows, totaling approximately thirty-eight credits:

• HRNS 380 Proseminar
• HRNS 237 Organizational Behavior in Jewish Nonprofits
• HRNS 261 Strategies and Quandaries in Contemporary Leadership
• HRNS 231 Jewish Community in Historical Perspective
• HRNS 246 Statistics for Jewish Professional Leaders
• HRNS 247 Program Evaluation for Jewish Professional Leaders
• HRNS 234 Human Resource Management for Jewish Nonprofits
• HRNS 241 Skills & Techniques in Jewish Philanthropy & Fundraising
• HRNS 399 Capstone Seminar
• HRNS 350 Myra Kraft Seminar on Israel
• HRNS 297 Field Experience

B. Specific Heller courses, as follows, totaling approximately thirty-eight credits 

• HS 250a Financial Analysis & Reporting
• HS 248 Financial Management
• HS 251 Managerial Accounting
• HS 215 Corporate Finance
• BUS 252 Marketing Management
• HS 290 Economic Analysis for Managers
• HS 232 Team Consulting Project Workshop
• HS 299 Team Consulting Project
• HS 252 Strategic Management
• HS 258 Operations Management

C. The remaining credits are taken as electives. 

The program is usually completed in four and a half semesters, including the summer between years one and two. 

Residence Requirement

The in-person residence requirement is 4.5 semesters of full-time study or the equivalent thereof in part-time study.

Capstone Project

Dual-degree students must meet the MBA second-year Team Consulting Project requirement and will generally focus on a Jewish community-related management challenge. TCP advisors will include one Heller and one Hornstein faculty member.

Supervised Professional Field Experience

Supervised professional field experience forms an important part of the Hornstein program. It is designed to immerse students in the best professional practices and organizations within the Jewish community, and to help students refine their practical skills, learn to turn theory into action, and become self-reflective and effective practitioners.

Field experience usually takes place in the summer and/or second year of the program and consists of approximately 150 hours of work managing a project jointly created by the student, the Hornstein faculty, and the supervisor in the field organization.

Myra Kraft Seminar in Israel
Students take a classroom 2-credit seminar and then travel to Israel (at least once, 10 days) as a required part of the curriculum to examine contemporary issues in Israeli society and its relationship with diaspora communities.

Language Requirement
Prior to the end of their final semester, students are required to demonstrate proficiency in Modern Hebrew equivalent to two semesters of college/university study.  Students may fulfill the Hebrew language requirement by 1) placing out of the requirement through a written and /or oral assessment, 2) providing evidence of passing (B- or above) two semesters of Hebrew at the college/university level, 3) providing evidence of successfully completing a Hebrew language ulpan, or 4) passing (B- or above) a 20- or higher level Hebrew course at Brandeis. Hebrew credits may count as elective credits, but not as required curriculum course credits.

Co-curricular Requirements

Hornstein Community Time
Meeting periodically throughout the year, these required sessions enable Hornstein community building and enable students to present their learning to one another. Students are involved in planning and coordinating the various Community Time activities.

Betty Starr Colloquium
Students spend four days during each academic year visiting the national offices of major and start-up Jewish organizations in a North American center of Jewish life.  The goal is to explore aspects of the communal agenda with agency executives.

Requirements for the Dual Degree of Master of Arts/Master of Public Policy (Hornstein MA in Professional Jewish Leadership, and the Heller School for Social Policy and Management MPP)

Program of Study
This program prepares professional leaders with the full complement of policy analysis and development skills, as well as specialized knowledge of Judaic studies and contemporary Jewish life. The program blends the Heller School's public policy curriculum with the Hornstein program's integrated approach to Jewish leadership training. Graduates of the dual-degree program receive two master’s degrees: a Master of Arts in Jewish Professional Leadership from the Hornstein Program and a Master of Public Policy from the Heller School for Social Policy and Management.

Degree Requirements

The dual Master of Arts in Jewish Professional Leadership/Master of Public Policy in Social Policy is a rigorous, interdisciplinary degree program that provides students with the skills necessary for advanced careers in the government, nonprofit, and private sectors.

The dual-degree requires eighty course credits including: 

A. Specific Hornstein courses, as follows, totaling approximately forty credits:

• HRNS 380 Proseminar
• HRNS 237 Organizational Behavior in Jewish Nonprofits
• HRNS 261 Strategies and Quandaries in Contemporary Leadership
• HRNS 231 Jewish Community in Historical Perspective
• HRNS 246 Statistics for Jewish Professional Leaders
• HRNS 247 Program Evaluation for Jewish Professional Leaders
• HRNS 234 Human Resource Management for Jewish Nonprofits
• HRNS 241 Skills & Techniques in Jewish Philanthropy & Fundraising
• HRNS 230 Managing Jewish Nonprofits
• HRNS 399 Capstone Seminar
• HRNS 350 Myra Kraft Seminar on Israel
• HRNS 297 Field Experience

B. Specific Heller courses, as follows, totaling approximately thirty-two credits 

• HS 303 History of Social Welfare 
• HS 405 Econometrics
• HS 532 Social Policy Analysis
• HS 472b Policy to Action: Understanding Implementation 
• HS 372 Economic Theory and Social Policy
• HS 332 Research Methods
• HS 529 Diversity, Inclusion and Equity in Social Policy 
• HS 336 MPP capstone Seminar 

C. The remaining credits are taken as electives. 

The program is usually completed in four and a half semesters including the summer between years one and two.

Residence Requirement

The in-person residence requirement is 4.5 semesters of full-time study or the equivalent thereof in part-time study.

Capstone

Dual-degree students must meet the MPP second-year capstone requirement and will generally focus their papers on Jewish community-related policy. Capstone advisors will include the instructor of the capstone seminar and a designee from the Hornstein program.

Supervised Professional Field Experience

Supervised professional field experience forms an important part of the Hornstein program. It is designed to immerse students in the best professional practices and organizations within the Jewish community, and to help students refine their practical skills, learn to turn theory into action, and become self-reflective and effective practitioners.

Field experience usually takes place in the summer and/or second year of the program and consists of approximately 150 hours of work managing a project jointly created by the student, the Hornstein faculty, and the supervisor in the field organization.

Myra Kraft Seminar in Israel
Students take a classroom 2-credit seminar and then travel to Israel (at least once, 10 days) as a required part of the curriculum to examine contemporary issues in Israeli society and its relationship with diaspora communities.

Language Requirement

Prior to the end of their final semester, students are required to demonstrate proficiency in Modern Hebrew equivalent to two semesters of college/university study.  Students may fulfill the Hebrew language requirement by 1) placing out of the requirement through a written and /or oral assessment, 2) providing evidence of passing (B- or above) two semesters of Hebrew at the college/university level, 3) providing evidence of successfully completing a Hebrew language ulpan, or 4) passing (B- or above) a 20- or higher level Hebrew course at Brandeis. Hebrew credits may count as elective credits, but not as required curriculum course credits.

Co-curricular Requirements

Hornstein Community Time
Meeting periodically throughout the year, these required sessions enable Hornstein community building and enable students to present their learning to one another. Students are involved in planning and coordinating the various Community Time activities.

Betty Starr Colloquium
Students spend four days during each academic year visiting the national offices of major and start-up Jewish organizations in a North American center of Jewish life.  The goal is to explore aspects of the communal agenda with agency executives. 

Requirements for the Dual Degree of Master of Arts (MA in Jewish Professional Leadership and MA in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies)

This program prepares future Jewish leaders to understand contemporary issues within the context of Jewish history, culture, and tradition. The program provides the knowledge, research skills, and practical tools necessary to envision and help shape twenty-first-century Jewish life. Graduates of this dual degree program receive a Master of Arts in Jewish Professional Leadership from the Hornstein Program, and a Master of Arts from the Department of Near Eastern and Judaic Studies.

Degree Requirements

The dual degree requires eighty course credits, usually completed in four and a half semesters, including the summer between years one and two. 

A. Approximately forty credits are taken as Hornstein courses as follows:

• HRNS 380 Proseminar
• HRNS 237 Organizational Behavior in Jewish Nonprofits
• HRNS 261 Strategies and Quandaries in Contemporary Leadership
• HRNS 231 Jewish Community in Historical Perspective
• HRNS 246 Statistics for Jewish Professional Leaders
• HRNS 247 Program Evaluation for Jewish Professional Leaders
• HRNS 234 Human Resource Management for Jewish Nonprofits
• HRNS 241 Skills & Techniques in Jewish Philanthropy & Fundraising
• HRNS 230 Managing Jewish Nonprofits
• HRNS 399 Capstone Seminar
• HRNS 350 Myra Kraft Seminar on Israel
• HRNS 297 Field Experience

B. Approximately thirty-six credits (100-level or above) are taken as NEJS courses (of which at least 24 credits are taught by NEJS faculty members).

C. The remaining credits are taken as electives. 

D. First year students are required to participate in a weekly for-credit graduate Proseminar (NEJS 231a) during the fall.

E. Students must also complete a final comprehensive examination, thesis, or capstone project related to both Hornstein and NEJS learning.

F. The remainder of each student’s program is individualized and is created in conjunction with advisors from Hornstein and NEJS.

Residence Requirement

The in-person residence requirement is 4.5 semesters of full-time study or the equivalent thereof in part-time study.

Capstone Project

Students must complete one of the three capstone options listed under the requirements for the NEJS MA, in a manner that reflects and integrates their study in this joint program.

Supervised Professional Field Experience

Supervised professional field experience forms an important part of the Hornstein program. It is designed to immerse students in the best professional practices and organizations within the Jewish community, and to help students refine their practical skills, learn to turn theory into action, and become self-reflective and effective practitioners.

Field experience usually takes place in the summer and/or second year of the program and consists of approximately 150 hours of work managing a project jointly created by the student, the Hornstein faculty, and the supervisor in the field organization.

Myra Kraft Seminar in Israel

Students take a classroom 2-credit seminar and then travel to Israel (at least once, 10 days) as a required part of the curriculum to examine contemporary issues in Israeli society and its relationship with diaspora communities.

Language Requirement

All candidates are required to demonstrate language proficiency in modern Hebrew. Please see the language requirement for MA degree under Near Eastern and Judaic Studies in this Bulletin.

Cocurricular Requirements

Hornstein Community Time
Meeting periodically throughout the year, these required sessions enable Hornstein community building and enable students to present their learning to one another. Students are involved in planning and coordinating the various Community Time activities.

Betty Starr Colloquium

Students spend four days during each academic year visiting the national offices of major and start-up Jewish organizations in a North American center of Jewish life.  The goal is to explore aspects of the communal agenda with agency executives.

Requirements for the Dual Degree of Master of Arts/Master of Education (MA in Jewish Professional Leadership and EdM in Education Leadership)

This program prepares future leaders of Jewish organizations to understand contemporary issues within the context of Jewish history, culture, and tradition. The program provides the knowledge, research skills, and practical tools necessary to envision and help shape twenty-first-century options for formal and informal Jewish education. Graduates of this dual degree program receive a Master of Arts in Jewish Professional Leadership from the Hornstein program, and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from the Education program.

Degree Requirements

The dual degree requires eighty course credits, usually completed in four and a half semesters, including the summer between years one and two. These are met with 36 Hornstein program credits, 36 Education program credits, and 8 elective credits relevant to the student’s area of interest and approved by the student’s academic advisor.

A. 36 credits are taken from Hornstein courses as follows:

• HRNS 230a - Managing Jewish Nonprofits (4 credits)
• HRNS 231b Jewish Community in Historical Perspective (4 credits)
• HRNS 234f - Human Resources Management in Jewish Nonprofits (2 credits)
• HRNS 237b Organizational Behavior in Jewish Nonprofits (4 credits)
• HRNS 241a Skills & Techniques in Jewish Philanthropy & Fundraising (4 credits)
• HRNS 246a Statistics for Jewish Professional Leaders (2 credits)
• HRNS 247a Program Evaluation for Jewish Professional Leaders (2 credits)
• HRNS 297a Field Experience (2 credits)
• HRNS 350a Myra Kraft Seminar on Israel (4 credits)
• HRNS 380a Proseminar (4 credits)
• HRNS 399a Capstone Seminar (2 credits)
• HRNS/NEJ 261a - Strategies and Quandaries in Contemporary Leadership (4 credits)

B. 36 credits from the following Education or NEJS courses:

• ED 161b Religious Education in America
• ED/HRNS 168a Summer Camp: The American Jewish Experience
• ED/NEJS 170b Inside Jewish Education
• ED/HRNS 390a Independent Study
• ED/HRNS 391a Independent Study
• HRNS 202b Jewish Passages: Jewish Identity & Learning Through the Lifecycle
• NEJS 169b From Sunday Schools to Birthright—History of American Jewish Education
• NEJS 271c Teaching & Learning Modern Jewish History, the Holocaust, and Israel
• THA 138b Creative Pedagogy

C. The remaining 8 credits are taken as electives as approved by the student's advisor. 

D. Students must also complete a final comprehensive examination, thesis, or capstone project related to both Hornstein and Education Leadership.

E. The remainder of each student’s program is individualized and is created in conjunction with advisors from Hornstein and Education.

Residence Requirement

The in-person residence requirement is 4.5 semesters of full-time study or the equivalent thereof in part-time study.

Capstone Project

During their last semester, students must complete a final thesis or capstone project in a manner that reflects and integrates their study in this joint program.

Supervised Professional Field Experience

Supervised professional field experience forms an important part of the Hornstein program. It is designed to immerse students in the best professional practices and organizations within the Jewish community, and to help students refine their practical skills, learn to turn theory into action, and become self-reflective and effective practitioners.

Field experience usually takes place in the summer and/or second year of the program and consists of approximately 150 hours of work managing a project jointly created by the student, the Hornstein faculty, and the supervisor in the field organization.

Myra Kraft Seminar in Israel

Students take a classroom 2-credit seminar and then travel to Israel (at least once, 10 days) as a required part of the curriculum to examine contemporary issues in Israeli society and its relationship with diaspora communities. 

Language Requirement

Prior to the end of their final semester, students are required to demonstrate proficiency in Modern Hebrew equivalent to two semesters of college/university study. Students may fulfill the Hebrew language requirement by 1) placing out of the requirement through a written and /or oral assessment, 2) providing evidence of passing (B- or above) two semesters of Hebrew at the college/university level, 3) providing evidence of successfully completing a Hebrew language ulpan, or 4) passing (B- or above) a 20- or higher level Hebrew course at Brandeis. Hebrew credits may count as elective credits, but not as required curriculum course credits.

Co-curricular Requirements

Hornstein Community Time
Meeting periodically throughout the year, these required sessions enable Hornstein community building and enable students to present their learning to one another. Students are involved in planning and coordinating the various Community Time activities.

Betty Starr Colloquium

Students spend four days during each academic year visiting the national offices of major and start-up Jewish organizations in a North American center of Jewish life.  The goal is to explore aspects of the communal agenda with agency executives.

Program of Study

The Hornstein BA/MA degree supplements undergraduate study in the School of Arts and Sciences with a master’s degree in Jewish Professional Leadership. Achieved in a fifth (graduate) year of study, the Hornstein MA provides the professional skills and deep knowledge of the American and world Jewish communities that position graduates for work in a wide range of careers in the Jewish community. Highly motivated and academically successful Brandeis undergraduates are invited in the spring of their junior year to apply for admission to the five year BA/MA. Students must complete all requirements for the BA at the end of the fourth year.

Degree Requirements

A. The dual degree requires fifty-six course credits. 

B. Approximately forty total Hornstein credits are required, approximately eighteen of which are taken during the undergraduate senior year and the remainder during the graduate year. These include the following specific Hornstein courses:

• HRNS 380 Proseminar
• HRNS 237 Organizational Behavior in Jewish Nonprofits
• HRNS 261 Strategies and Quandaries in Contemporary Leadership
• HRNS 231 Jewish Community in Historical Perspective
• HRNS 246 Statistics for Jewish Professional Leaders
• HRNS 247 Program Evaluation for Jewish Professional Leaders
• HRNS 234 Human Resource Management for Jewish Nonprofits
• HRNS 241 Skills & Techniques in Jewish Philanthropy & Fundraising
• HRNS 230 Managing Jewish Nonprofits
• HRNS 340 Readings in Jewish Professional Leadership
• HRNS 299 Thesis/Final Project
• HRNS 399 Capstone Seminar
• HRNS 350 Myra Kraft Seminar on Israel
• HRNS 297 Field Experience

C. The remaining credits are taken as electives at the 100-level or above. 

Residence Requirement

The in-person residence requirement is 2.5 semesters (summer, fall, spring) of full-time study (the fifth year), after completing the BA.

Capstone

Dual-degree students complete a significant final thesis or capstone project during the last semester of the fifth year. All final projects must be approved by the student’s Hornstein advisor.

Supervised Professional Field Experience

Supervised professional field experience forms an important part of the Hornstein program. It is designed to immerse students in the best professional practices and organizations within the Jewish community, and to help students refine their practical skills, learn to turn theory into action, and become self-reflective and effective practitioners.

Field experience usually takes place in the summer and/or second year of the program and consists of approximately 150 hours of work managing a project jointly created by the student, the Hornstein faculty, and the supervisor in the field organization.

Myra Kraft Seminar in Israel

Students take a classroom 2-credit seminar and then travel to Israel (at least once, 10 days) as a required part of the curriculum to examine contemporary issues in Israeli society and its relationship with diaspora communities.

Language Requirement

Prior to the end of their final semester, students are required to demonstrate proficiency in Modern Hebrew equivalent to two semesters of college/university study.  Students may fulfill the Hebrew language requirement by 1) placing out of the requirement through a written and /or oral assessment, 2) providing evidence of passing (B- or above) two semesters of Hebrew at the college/university level, 3) providing evidence of successfully completing a Hebrew language ulpan, or 4) passing (B- or above) a 20- or higher level Hebrew course at Brandeis. Hebrew credits may count as elective credits, but not as required curriculum course credits.

Co-curricular Requirements

Hornstein Community Time
Meeting periodically throughout the year, these required sessions enable Hornstein community building and enable students to present their learning to one another. Students are involved in planning and coordinating the various Community Time activities.

Betty Starr Colloquium

Students spend four days during each academic year visiting the national offices of major and start-up Jewish organizations in a North American center of Jewish life.  The goal is to explore aspects of the communal agenda with agency executives.

Program of Study

The Hornstein MA in Jewish Professional Leadership  provides the professional skills and deep knowledge of the American and world Jewish communities that position graduates for work in a wide range of careers in the Jewish community. 

Degree Requirements

The degree requires forty Hornstein course credits. The program is usually completed in four and a half semesters, including the summer after the first year of the program. 

• HRNS 231  Jewish Community in Historical Perspective
• HRNS 246   Statistics for Jewish Professional Leaders 
• HRNS 350a Myra Kraft Seminar on Israel 
• HRNS 380   Proseminar 
• HRNS 237  Organizational Behavior in Jewish Nonprofits HRNS 246  Program Evaluation for Jewish Professional Leaders 
• HRNS/NEJS 26  Strategies and Quandaries in Contemporary Leadership
• HRNS 297  Field Experience (during summer)
• HRNS 241  Skills and Techniques in Jewish Philanthropy and Fundraising 
• HRNS 399a Capstone Seminar 
• HRNS 234a Human Resource Management for Jewish Nonprofits 
• HRNS 230  Managing Jewish Nonprofits

Residence Requirement

The in-person residence requirement is 2.5 semesters of full-time study or the equivalent thereof in part-time study.

Capstone Project

Hornstein MA students complete a significant final thesis or capstone project during the last semester. All final projects must be approved by the student’s Hornstein advisor.

Supervised Professional Field Experience

Supervised professional field experience forms an important part of the Hornstein program. It is designed to immerse students in the best professional practices and organizations within the Jewish community, and to help students refine their practical skills, learn to turn theory into action, and become self-reflective and effective practitioners.

Field experience usually takes place in the spring or summer semester of the program and consists of approximately 150 hours of work managing a project jointly created by the student, the Hornstein faculty, and the supervisor in the field organization.

Myra Kraft Seminar in Israel

Students take a classroom 2-credit seminar and then travel to Israel (at least once, 10 days) as a required part of the curriculum to examine contemporary issues in Israeli society and its relationship with diaspora communities.

Language Requirement

Prior to the end of their final semester, students are required to demonstrate proficiency in Modern Hebrew equivalent to two semesters of college/university study.  Students may fulfill the Hebrew language requirement by 1) placing out of the requirement through a written and /or oral assessment, 2) providing evidence of passing (B- or above) two semesters of Hebrew at the college/university level, 3) providing evidence of successfully completing a Hebrew language ulpan, or 4) passing (B- or above) a 20- or higher level Hebrew course at Brandeis. Hebrew credits may count as elective credits, but not as required curriculum course credits.

Co-curricular Requirements

Hornstein Community Time

Meeting periodically throughout the year, these required sessions enable Hornstein community building and enable students to present their learning to one another. Students are involved in planning and coordinating the various Community Time activities.

Betty Starr Colloquium

Students spend four days during each academic year visiting the national offices of major and start-up Jewish organizations in a North American center of Jewish life.  The goal is to explore aspects of the communal agenda with agency executives.

Summer Registration

Master's students in the Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership program should register for courses in consultation with your program through Workday self-service. Half-semester tuition will be charged.

Program of Study

The Hornstein Masters Certificate in Jewish Professional Leadership is designed for those working in the Jewish community who seek foundational knowledge and skills to become more effective leaders within their organizations.

Degree Requirements

The degree requires twelve Hornstein course credits from four required courses offered through Brandeis Online. The program is usually completed within 9 months.

• OHRNS 237 Organizational Behavior in Jewish Nonprofit (4 credits)
• OHRNS 241 Skills and Techniques of Jewish Philanthropy and Fundraising (4 credits)
• OHRNS 234 Human Resource Management for Jewish Nonprofits (2 credits)
• OHRNS 233 Confronting Contemporary Antisemitism (2 credits)

The Hornstein program is affiliated with several Brandeis institutes and programs that promote research and continuing professional education in the field of Jewish professional leadership and Jewish education. Students have access to research projects, training, courses, and professionals associated with the following.

Crown Center for Middle East Studies

A research center committed to proving that it is possible to produce balanced, objective, and dispassionate research regarding all aspects of the contemporary Middle East. For more information, please see www.brandeis.edu/crown.

Genesis

A summer program for high school students empowering teens to relate their secular interests to Judaism by integrating their studies of the arts and humanities with social and political action. It provides a laboratory for work in informal Jewish education. For more information, please see www.brandeis.edu/genesis.

Mandel Center for Studies in Jewish Education

The Mandel Center is dedicated to the study and improvement of Jewish education. Through its initiatives in Jewish education, the Mandel Center contributes to a flourishing Jewish present and future. For more information, please see www.brandeis.edu/centers/mandel.

Maurice and Marilyn Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies

The Maurice and Marilyn Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies (CCMJS) is a multidisciplinary research center dedicated to bringing the concepts, theories, and techniques of social science to bear on the study of modern Jewish life. For more information, please see www.brandeis.edu/cmjs.

Schusterman Center for Israel Studies

The Schusterman Center for Israel Studies is dedicated to promoting exemplary teaching and scholarship in Israeli history, politics, culture, and society at Brandeis and beyond. For more information, please see www.brandeis.edu/israelcenter.

Steinhardt Social Research Institute

Collects, analyzes, and disseminates unbiased data about the Jewish community and about religion and ethnicity in the United States. For more information, please see www.brandeis.edu/ssri.

Every student, whether or not currently in residence, must register at the beginning of each term. All graduate students will be evaluated by the program each spring. At this evaluation the records of all graduate students will be carefully reviewed with reference to the timely completion of coursework and non-course degree requirements, the quality of the work and research in progress and the student’s overall academic performance in the program.

ED/HRNS 168a Summer Camp: The American Jewish Experience

How did American summer camps evolve? How did Jews appropriate this form for their communal needs? How did leadership develop and what are the pressing issues of today? These questions will be examined from historical, educational, and managerial perspectives. Usually offered every second year.

HRNS 110a Learning to Lead: Exploring Jewish Leadership in Principle and Practice

Examines the theories, meaning, and exercise of Jewish communal leadership. Students will develop several important tools of leadership and focus on honing a personal vision and educational path toward achieving that vision. Throughout the course, attention will be on the unique challenges facing the Jewish community in light of the crises unfolding in the broader world.

Special one-time offering for Summer 2022.

NEJS 145a History of the State of Israel
[ hum ]

Examines the development of the State of Israel from its foundation to the present time. Israel's politics, society, and culture will be thematically analyzed. Usually offered every year.

NEJS 171a Teaching and Learning Modern Jewish History, the Holocaust, and Israel
[ hum ]

Examines why we teach history, how students learn history, the uses of public history, and what history means within a Jewish context. Special emphasis is placed on teaching with primary sources, digital resources, and oral history. Includes an oral history project in cooperation with the Jewish Women's Archive and Keshet (a Jewish LGBTQ organization), and an introduction to Holocaust education with Facing History and Ourselves. Usually offered every third year.

NEJS 171b Tikkun Olam/Repairing the World: Service and Social Justice in Theory and Practice
[ hum ]

What does tikkun olam mean? What is a life of service? What should one learn from service-learning? Does "social justice" actually do any good? This is a service-learning course, and includes a service component in the field. Usually offered every third year.

ED/HRNS 390a Independent Study

ED/HRNS 391a Independent Study

Yields half-course credit.

ED/HRNS 391f Independent Study

Half-semester course. Yields half-course credit.

HRNS 202b Jewish Passages: Developing through the Cycles of Jewish Life

Thirteen-year-old American Jewish teens celebrating their bnei-mitzvah are engaging with a historic Jewish passage that has changed radically over the past century, as American Jews have continually adapted Jewish life cycle rituals to narrate who they are in the midst of a changing cultural milieu. From naming babies to celebrating a 95th birthday, Jewish passages are also viewed as opportunities for Jewish professionals to help individuals and families locate themselves within cycles of Jewish life. This course helps students understand how Judaism’s life cycle rituals relate to developmental psychologists’ understanding of the course of human development, while also bringing in the ways social scientists describe the evolution of these rituals. Usually offered every fourth year.

HRNS 230a Managing Jewish Nonprofits

Open to graduate students from other departments with permission of instructor.

Presents an overview for non-MBA students of the most widely-used principles, tools, and practices employed by managers of Jewish nonprofit organizations. Covers such topics as: mission, governance, strategic planning, human resource management, financial resources, marketing, and communications. Usually offered every year.

HRNS 231b The American Jewish Community in Historical Perspective

Uses history to shed light on the issues and challenges facing the contemporary American Jewish community. This course asks how the community assumed its current shape, and uses a series of historical case studies to examine past crises and the lessons that might be learned from them. The goal of this course is to help students craft a "usable past" - one that employs the hindsight of history to understand the present and plan ahead for the future. Usually offered every year.

HRNS 231f The American Jewish Community in Historical Perspective

Half-semester course. Yields half-course credit.

Uses history to shed light on the issues and challenges facing the contemporary American Jewish community. This course asks how the community assumed its current shape, and uses a series of historical case studies to examine past crises and the lessons that might be learned from them. The goal of this course is to help students craft a "usable past" - one that employs the hindsight of history to understand the present and plan ahead for the future. Usually offered every year.

HRNS 233f Confronting Contemporary Antisemitism

“An ancient hatred has been reborn,” wrote the late Jonathan Sacks, former Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom in 2015, referring to the sharp increase in antisemitic incidents in Europe over the past decade. In the American context we have also witnessed this disturbing trend. Synagogues and other Jewish institutions have experienced violent attacks and Jewish professionals working on college campuses are grappling with a reality of open anti-Israel activity on campus by student groups. This alarming increase in anti-Jewish propaganda and violence necessitates that Jewish professional leaders, trained by the Hornstein program, understand the complex factors that contribute to antisemitism, have tools to prevent, confront and combat it, and are prepared to respond with effective crisis leadership should attacks occur in their communities. Students should be prepared to read and analyze some “hard core” antisemitica in this class. It is impossible to understand antisemitism without reading the primary sources themselves, however odious they may be.

Success in this two-credit course requires that students will spend a minimum of 4.5 hours of study time per week in preparation for class (readings, papers, homework, group projects, meeting with the professor, etc.). For learning to be effective, it is imperative that you prepare adequately for class and, in particular, acquaint yourself with the assigned readings. Usually offered every year.

HRNS 234a Human Resources Management in Jewish Nonprofits

Human resource management (HRM) aligns people with the mission of an organization. This course considers general principles of HRM and their application to Jewish and other non-profit organizations. Focuses on concepts and strategies that increase organization effectiveness (e.g., dealing with lay leaders, religious-secular differences) to enhance the value of people in organizations served. Usually offered every year.

HRNS 234f Human Resources Management in Jewish Nonprofits

Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.

Human resource management (HRM) aligns people with the mission of an organization. This course considers general principles of HRM and their application to Jewish and other non-profit organizations. Focuses on concepts and strategies that increase organization effectiveness (e.g., dealing with lay leaders, religious-secular differences) to enhance the value of people in organizations served. Usually offered every year.

HRNS 237b Organizational Behavior in Jewish Nonprofits

Core course required for all Hornstein students. Also open to undergraduates and to graduate students from other departments with permission and signature of instructor.

Presents contemporary management theories, case studies, skill-building exercises, and traditional Jewish teachings to provide a conceptual understanding of individual and group behavior in Jewish nonprofit organizations. Covers such topics as motivation, trust, ethics, group dynamics, decision-making, power, conflict, influence, negotiation, lay-professional relations, leadership, organizational culture, and organizational change. Usually offered every year.

HRNS 241a Skills and Techniques in Jewish Philanthropy and Fundraising

Core course required of all Hornstein students.

Provides a conceptual framework and develops a community organizing approach, implementing fundraising campaigns for Jewish communal enterprises. Usually offered every year.

HRNS 246a Statistics for Jewish Professional Leaders

Core course required of all Hornstein students. 

Provides an introduction to statistical thinking and analytical methods. Focus is on understanding statistical reasoning and interpreting analyses. Topics include descriptive and inferential statistics applied to understanding survey research, evaluation, and policy studies relevant to Jewish organizational leadership. Usually offered every year.

HRNS 247a Program Evaluation for Jewish Professional Leaders

Core course required of all Hornstein students.

Provides participants with an understanding of the basic concepts of evaluation research and their application to Jewish communal policy. Emphasizes methodological issues and their application to social interventions and program delivery using exemplars from the Jewish communal sphere. Usually offered every year.

HRNS 260f Jewish Community and Jewish Identity

Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.

Focuses on understanding the qualities and skills required of Jewish leadership facing our most complex challenges and choices. How particular? How universal? Is Israel the most divisive issue in American Jewish life or our most powerful unifying force? What will community and Peoplehood mean for the Millennial generation and the ones that follow. In particular we'll focus on Jewish community and its relationship to the crucial institutions and networks that comprise Jewish Community, The important role that community and its institutions play in shaping Jewish identity and conversely the critical role that Jewish identity plays as the glue that holds community together. We will therefore explore the nature and meaning of Jewish identity, historically and for the next generation and our critical relationship to Israel as it goes through its own challenges. We will also try to better understand the interaction between leadership and management when confronting periods of redefinition. As leaders we must do more than manage a good 'process.' We must have a future vision of our own and a preferred path for getting there. Usually offered every second year.

HRNS 297a Hornstein Professional Field Experience

Open to Hornstein students who have completed at least one semester of course work in the program. Course yields half-course credit.

Students work 150-250 hours under the mentorship of a leader in a Jewish nonprofit organization. Placements are carefully designed to advance professional leadership skills and match students' interests and career goals. Each student is advised by a faculty member and by the manager of fieldwork and alumni relations. Usually offered every semester.

HRNS 298a Advanced Professional Field Experience

Prerequisite: HRNS 297a or permission of the instructor. Course yields half-course credit.

For Hornstein students who wish to pursue an additional elective field experience beyond the requirement of HRNS 297a. Students work a minimum of 125 hours in a Jewish nonprofit organization, and are required to conduct a literature review and submit a related paper that is connected to their fieldwork project. Fieldwork projects are carefully designed to provide students with practical experience as well as guidance and mentoring from experienced Jewish professionals. Each student is advised by the Director of Field Experience Programs. Usually offered every semester.

HRNS 299a Master's Thesis

HRNS 332a Readings in Jewish Professional Leadership

HRNS 333f Readings in Jewish Professional Leadership

Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.
 

HRNS 334a Readings in Jewish Professional Leadership

HRNS 335f Readings in Jewish Professional Leadership

Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.

HRNS 338a Readings in Jewish Professional Leadership

HRNS 339f Readings in Jewish Professional Leadership

Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.

HRNS 340a Readings in Jewish Professional Leadership

HRNS 342a Readings in Jewish Professional Leadership

HRNS 343f Readings in Jewish Professional Leadership

Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.

HRNS 346a Readings in Jewish Professional Leadership

HRNS 347f Readings in Jewish Professional Leadership

Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.

HRNS 348a Readings in Jewish Professional Leadership

HRNS 349f Readings in Jewish Professional Leadership

Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.

HRNS 350a Jewish Professional Leadership Seminar on Israel

Required core course for all Hornstein students. Yields half-course credit.

Examines contemporary issues in Israeli society and its relationship with Diaspora communities. Course begins with on-campus sessions and culminates in Israel. Usually offered every year.

HRNS 350b Myra Kraft Seminar in Israel

Yields half-course credit.

An intensive examination of contemporary issues in Israeli society and its relationship with Diaspora communities. Course culminates in Israel. Usually offered every year.

HRNS 351a Readings in Jewish Professional Leadership

HRNS 352f Readings in Jewish Professional Leadership

Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.

HRNS 355a Readings in Jewish Professional Leadership

HRNS 356f Readings in Jewish Professional Leadership

Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.

HRNS 357a Readings in Jewish Professional Leadership

HRNS 358f Readings in Jewish Professional Leadership

Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.

HRNS 380a Proseminar: Issues, Structure, and Perspectives of the American Jewish Community

Required course for all Hornstein students.

An introduction to key issues in the structure and perspectives of the American Jewish community. Students will develop a shared background, language, and experiences in their first semester to serve as a foundation throughout their career--both at Brandeis and in the field. Usually offered every year.

HRNS 390a Independent Study

HRNS 399a Capstone

Yields half-course credit.

The final course in the Hornstein curriculum, the class transitions Hornstein learning to the coming professional workplace in the Jewish community through faculty "last lectures," critical assessments of current issues, and student presentations. Usually offered every year.

HRNS/NEJ 261a Strategies and Quandaries in Contemporary Leadership

Examines models of leadership and challenges facing leaders in contemporary organizational life, through Jewish history and culture placed in conversation with other cultural and disciplinary perspectives from critical race studies, women's and gender studies, disability studies, and indigenous studies. Classes will be discussion-based, centered around the productive contrasts and interactions between the readings, and the contemporary practices and experiences of students' leadership. Usually offered every second year.

NEJS 235b Philosophy of Jewish Education
What should Jewish education be? What are its legitimate goals? What are the competing visions of an educated Jew, and how do these influence educational practice? How is Jewish education similar to and different from other kinds of religious education? Usually offered every second year.
Jon Levisohn

OHRNS 233 Confronting Contemporary Antisemitism

“An ancient hatred has been reborn,” wrote the late Jonathan Sacks, former Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom in 2015, referring to the sharp increase in antisemitic incidents in Europe over the past decade. In the American context we have also witnessed this disturbing trend. Synagogues and other Jewish institutions have experienced violent attacks and Jewish professionals working on college campuses are grappling with a reality of open anti-Israel activity on campus by student groups. This alarming increase in anti-Jewish propaganda and violence necessitates that Jewish professional leaders, trained by the Hornstein program, understand the complex factors that contribute to antisemitism, have tools to prevent, confront and combat it, and are prepared to respond with effective crisis leadership should attacks occur in their communities. Students should be prepared to read and analyze some “hard core” antisemitica in this class. It is impossible to understand antisemitism without reading the primary sources themselves, however odious they may be.

Success in this two-credit course requires that students will spend a minimum of 4.5 hours of study time per week in preparation for class (readings, papers, homework, group projects, meeting with the professor, etc.). For learning to be effective, it is imperative that you prepare adequately for class and, in particular, acquaint yourself with the assigned readings. Usually offered every year.

OHRNS 234 Human Resources Management in Jewish Nonprofits

Yields half-course credit.

Human resource management (HRM) aligns people with the mission of an organization. This course considers general principles of HRM and their application to Jewish and other non-profit organizations. Focuses on concepts and strategies that increase organization effectiveness (e.g., dealing with lay leaders, religious-secular differences) to enhance the value of people in organizations served. Usually offered every year.

OHRNS 237 Organizational Behavior in Jewish Nonprofits

Required for all online Hornstein Certificate and MA students.

Presents contemporary management theories, case studies, skill-building exercises, and traditional Jewish teachings to provide a conceptual understanding of individual and group behavior in Jewish nonprofit organizations. Covers such topics as motivation, trust, ethics, group dynamics, decision-making, power, conflict, influence, negotiation, lay-professional relations, leadership, organizational culture, and organizational change. Usually offered every year.

OHRNS 241 Skills and Techniques in Jewish Philanthropy and Fundraising

Provides a conceptual framework and develops a community organizing approach, implementing fundraising campaigns for Jewish communal enterprises. Usually offered every year.

ED/NEJS 170b Inside Jewish Education: Language, Literacy, and Reading
[ hum ]

Combines autobiography, classroom videotapes, curriculum investigation and fieldwork to explore the purposes, practices and effects of contemporary Jewish education in its many forms and venues. Usually offered every other year.

NEJS 145a History of the State of Israel
[ hum ]

Examines the development of the State of Israel from its foundation to the present time. Israel's politics, society, and culture will be thematically analyzed. Usually offered every year.

NEJS 169b From Sunday Schools to Birthright: History of American Jewish Education
[ hum ]

Empowers students to articulate a reality-based, transformative vision of Jewish education that is grounded in an appreciation for the history and sociology of American Jewish education. It will familiarize students with and contextualize the present Jewish educational landscape, through the use of historical case studies and current research, encouraging students to view the field from an evolutionary perspective. The seminar will address Jewish education in all its forms, including formal and informal settings (e.g., schools, camps, youth groups, educational tourism). Usually offered every third year.

NEJS 171a Teaching and Learning Modern Jewish History, the Holocaust, and Israel
[ hum ]

Examines why we teach history, how students learn history, the uses of public history, and what history means within a Jewish context. Special emphasis is placed on teaching with primary sources, digital resources, and oral history. Includes an oral history project in cooperation with the Jewish Women's Archive and Keshet (a Jewish LGBTQ organization), and an introduction to Holocaust education with Facing History and Ourselves. Usually offered every third year.

NEJS 171b Tikkun Olam/Repairing the World: Service and Social Justice in Theory and Practice
[ hum ]

What does tikkun olam mean? What is a life of service? What should one learn from service-learning? Does "social justice" actually do any good? This is a service-learning course, and includes a service component in the field. Usually offered every third year.

NEJS 235b Philosophy of Jewish Education
What should Jewish education be? What are its legitimate goals? What are the competing visions of an educated Jew, and how do these influence educational practice? How is Jewish education similar to and different from other kinds of religious education? Usually offered every second year.
Jon Levisohn