The London School of Jewish Studies (commonly known as LSJS, originally founded as Jews' College) is a
London
London is the capital and largest city of England and the United Kingdom, with a population of just under 9 million. It stands on the River Thames in south-east England at the head of a estuary down to the North Sea, and has been a majo ...
-based organisation providing adult educational courses and training to the wider Jewish community. Since 2012 LSJS also offers rabbinical training, returning to its roots.
Many leading figures in British Jewry have been associated with the School, including
Michael Friedländer
Michael Friedländer (29 April 1833 – 10 December 1910) was an Orientalist and principal of Jews' College, London. He is best known for his English translation of Maimonides' ''Guide to the Perplexed'', which was the most popular such translat ...
, Principal from 1865 to 1907;
Isidore Epstein
Rabbi Ezekiel Isidore Epstein (יחזקא-ל יצחק אפשטיין ;1894-1962)
was an Orthodox rabbi and rabbinical scholar in England. He is best known as Editor of the first complete English translation of the Babylonian Talmud, and for his ...
, Principal 1948–1961;
Louis Jacobs
Louis Jacobs (17 July 1920 – 1 July 2006) was a leading writer and theologian. He was the rabbi of the New London Synagogue in the United Kingdom. He was also the focus in the early 1960s of what became known as "The Jacobs Affair" in the ...
, Moral Tutor 1959–1961; and in recent years
Jonathan Sacks
Jonathan Henry Sacks, Baron Sacks ( he, יונתן הנרי זקס, translit=Yona'tan Henry Zaks; 8 March 19487 November 2020) was an English Orthodox rabbi, philosopher, theologian, and author. Sacks served as the Chief Rabbi of the United He ...
(later
Lord Sacks
Jonathan Henry Sacks, Baron Sacks ( he, יונתן הנרי זקס, translit=Yona'tan Henry Zaks; 8 March 19487 November 2020) was an English Orthodox rabbi, philosopher, theologian, and author. Sacks served as the Chief Rabbi of the United He ...
), Principal 1984–1990.
Translation works, including for
Talmud
The Talmud (; he, , Talmūḏ) is the central text of Rabbinic Judaism and the primary source of Jewish religious law (''halakha'') and Jewish theology. Until the advent of modernity, in nearly all Jewish communities, the Talmud was the cente ...
, were made by "Scholars involved with Jews' College."
History
The London School of Jewish Studies was founded as Jews' College in 1855, a rabbinical seminary in
London
London is the capital and largest city of England and the United Kingdom, with a population of just under 9 million. It stands on the River Thames in south-east England at the head of a estuary down to the North Sea, and has been a majo ...
. The organisation was re-focused and given its present name in 1999, with an emphasis on providing a broader range of adult educational courses and training to the wider Jewish community. The rabbinical training programme was suspended, and much of the historical holdings of the library were sold off. LSJS has had growing success in its new role, and since 2012 once again offers rabbinical training, in partnership with the programme set up by the London Sephardi community.
Jews' College
Jews' College was opened in
Finsbury Square
Finsbury Square is a square in Finsbury in central London which includes a six-rink grass bowling green. It was developed in 1777 on the site of a previous area of green space to the north of the City of London known as Finsbury Fields, in the pa ...
,
London
London is the capital and largest city of England and the United Kingdom, with a population of just under 9 million. It stands on the River Thames in south-east England at the head of a estuary down to the North Sea, and has been a majo ...
, as a rabbinical seminary in 1855 with the support of
Chief Rabbi
Chief Rabbi ( he, רב ראשי ''Rav Rashi'') is a title given in several countries to the recognized religious leader of that country's Jewish community, or to a rabbinic leader appointed by the local secular authorities. Since 1911, through a ...
Nathan Adler
Nathan Adler (1741–1800) was a German kabbalist and Rosh yeshiva. He was responsible for training several prominent rabbis of the era.
Biography
He was born in Frankfurt, December 16, 1741. As a precocious child he won the admiration of Chai ...
and of
Sir Moses Montefiore
Sir Moses Haim Montefiore, 1st Baronet, (24 October 1784 – 28 July 1885) was a British financier and banker, activist, philanthropist and Sheriff of London. Born to an Italian Sephardic Jewish family based in London, afte ...
, who had conceived the idea for such a venture as early as 1841. The college quickly established itself as a place where high quality
rabbi
A rabbi () is a spiritual leader or religious teacher in Judaism. One becomes a rabbi by being ordained by another rabbi – known as ''semikha'' – following a course of study of Jewish history and texts such as the Talmud. The basic form of ...
nical training was available and its alumni and staff often became prominent in
Anglo-Jewry
British Jews (often referred to collectively as British Jewry or Anglo-Jewry) are British citizens who identify as Jewish. The number of people who identified as Jews in the United Kingdom rose by just under 4% between 2001 and 2021.
History
...
.
In 1881, the College moved to larger premises in
Tavistock Square
Tavistock Square is a public square in Bloomsbury, in the London Borough of Camden.
History
Tavistock Square was built shortly after 1806 by the property developer James Burton and the master builder Thomas Cubitt for Francis Russell, 5th Duke ...
, close to
University College
In a number of countries, a university college is a college institution that provides tertiary education but does not have full or independent university status. A university college is often part of a larger university. The precise usage varies ...
, where it was envisaged that Jews' College students would be able to combine their religious studies and university studies to degree level. As early as 1904, the
University of London
The University of London (UoL; abbreviated as Lond or more rarely Londin in post-nominals) is a federal public research university located in London, England, United Kingdom. The university was established by royal charter in 1836 as a degree ...
granted an
Honours degree
Honours degree has various meanings in the context of different degrees and education systems. Most commonly it refers to a variant of the undergraduate bachelor's degree containing a larger volume of material or a higher standard of study, or ...
in Hebrew and Aramaic, all of the candidates being from Jews' College. In 1932, with the building of Woburn House, a centre for Anglo-Jewry, still in Tavistock Square, Jews' College moved again.
During the
Second World War
World War II or the Second World War, often abbreviated as WWII or WW2, was a world war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved the vast majority of the world's countries—including all of the great powers—forming two opposin ...
, despite the
bombing of London
The Blitz was a German bombing campaign against the United Kingdom in 1940 and 1941, during the Second World War. The term was first used by the British press and originated from the term , the German word meaning 'lightning war'.
The Germa ...
, the College kept its doors open. Apart from the rabbinical studies and degree course,
Chazzan
A ''hazzan'' (; , lit. Hazan) or ''chazzan'' ( he, חַזָּן , plural ; Yiddish ''khazn''; Ladino ''Hasan'') is a Jewish musician or precentor trained in the vocal arts who helps lead the congregation in songful prayer
Prayer is an in ...
ut courses and teacher training programmes were now offered.
In 1954, the College moved, yet again, to larger premises in
Montagu Place
Montagu Square is a garden square in Marylebone, London. It is centred 550 metres north of Marble Arch and 440 m east of Edgware Road. Internally it spans by and is oriented on an axis of about NNW, an axis lasting for four blocks w ...
. That building in central London was sold in the early 1980s and now houses the Embassy of Sweden. The College operated from temporary premises at Finchley Synagogue for a number of years, under the leadership of Rabbi Dr
Nahum Rabinovitch
Nachum Eliezer Rabinovitch ( he, נַחוּם אֱלִיעֶזֶר רָבִּינוֹבִיץּ׳; 30 April 1928 – 6 May 2020), born Norman Louis Rabinovitch, was a Canadian-Israeli Religious Zionist rabbi and ''posek''. He headed the London Sc ...
. Under the auspices of Rabbi Dr
Jonathan Sacks
Jonathan Henry Sacks, Baron Sacks ( he, יונתן הנרי זקס, translit=Yona'tan Henry Zaks; 8 March 19487 November 2020) was an English Orthodox rabbi, philosopher, theologian, and author. Sacks served as the Chief Rabbi of the United He ...
and with the financial backing of
Stanley Kalms
Harold Stanley Kalms, Baron Kalms (born 21 November 1931) is the life president and former chairman of Currys plc (formerly DSG International plc, Dixons Group, Dixons Carphone). Currys plc owns Currys, as well as the now phased-out brands "PC W ...
, chairman of Dixons, the College relocated in 1984 to its current building, now known as Schaller House, in
Hendon
Hendon is an urban area in the Borough of Barnet, North-West London northwest of Charing Cross. Hendon was an ancient manor and parish in the county of Middlesex and a former borough, the Municipal Borough of Hendon; it has been part of Great ...
, North-West London, close to the hub of London's Jewish community.
London School of Jewish Studies
In 1998, the University of London announced that it would be terminating the "Associated Institute" status that the College and three other small institutions enjoyed. Jews' College was forced to seek an academic partner within the University in order to be able to continue its degree programmes. Without the freedom to determine its own curriculum and the financial security that came from student fee income, it became increasingly difficult for the College to survive in its previous form. Rabbinic training was also uneconomic as many students looked to the Torah centres of Israel and America for their education and the number of available rabbinic posts in the UK decreased.
In 2002, the
School of Oriental and African Studies
SOAS University of London (; the School of Oriental and African Studies) is a public research university in London, England, and a member institution of the federal University of London. Founded in 1916, SOAS is located in the Bloomsbury ar ...
(SOAS) decided to terminate its relationship with LSJS, which threatened the organisation's status. A small team of young community leaders and educators, led by the late Marc Weinberg, presented the then Chair of Council, Howard Stanton, with a proposal to use the human and financial resources available to refocus the School's activities and to secure its future as a hub of academic study and lifelong learning, catering to a wide spectrum of the community.
Since then, under the leadership of Dr. Raphael Zarum and Dr. Tamra Wright, LSJS has welcomed hundreds of students to a range of academic courses and events. In addition to numerous community-focused offerings, more formal programs include:
*The LSJS, as of 2012, offers a ''
Semicha
Semikhah ( he, סמיכה) is the traditional Jewish name for rabbinic ordination.
The original ''semikhah'' was the formal "transmission of authority" from Moses through the generations. This form of ''semikhah'' ceased between 360 and 425 C ...
'' programme, in conjunction with the
Judith Lady Montefiore College
Judith Lady Montefiore College () is a Jewish theological seminary founded in 1869 by Sir Moses Montefiore in memory of his late wife, Lady Judith Montefiore, at Ramsgate, Kent. Though closed in 1985, the College re-opened in London in 2005.
E ...
. The part-time programme is of four years' duration (38 study weeks per year; 16 lecture hours per week). The curriculum focuses on Halacha as standard; but the course also includes
''hazanut'' and teaching skills.
*LSJS also hosts The Montefiore
Kollel
A kollel ( he, כולל, , , a "gathering" or "collection" f scholars is an institute for full-time, advanced study of the Talmud and rabbinic literature. Like a yeshiva, a kollel features shiurim (lectures) and learning ''sedarim'' (sessions); ...
, comprising an "intensive" one-year programme focused on in-depth Gemara study with emphasis on halachic applications. Applicants to the Semicha programme may be required to first spend one year in the Kollel.
*The LSJS offers the following degree programs:"Degrees" , lsjs.ac.uk the
M.A.
A Master of Arts ( la, Magister Artium or ''Artium Magister''; abbreviated MA, M.A., AM, or A.M.) is the holder of a master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. The degree is usually contrasted with that of Master of Science. Tho ...
degree in
Jewish Studies
Jewish studies (or Judaic studies; he, מדעי היהדות, madey ha-yahadut, sciences of Judaism) is an academic discipline centered on the study of Jews and Judaism. Jewish studies is interdisciplinary and combines aspects of history (esp ...
with
King's College, London
King's College London (informally King's or KCL) is a public research university located in London, England. King's was established by royal charter in 1829 under the patronage of King George IV and the Duke of Wellington. In 1836, King's ...
; and the
BA (Hons)
Bachelor of arts (BA or AB; from the Latin ', ', or ') is a bachelor's degree awarded for an undergraduate program in the arts, or, in some cases, other disciplines. A Bachelor of Arts degree course is generally completed in three or four years ...
and MA in
Jewish education
Jewish education ( he, חינוך, ''Chinuch'') is the transmission of the tenets, principles, and religious laws of Judaism. Known as the "people of the book", Jews value education, and the value of education is strongly embedded in Jewish cul ...
with
Middlesex University
Middlesex University London (legally Middlesex University and abbreviated MDX) is a public research university in Hendon, northwest London, England. The name of the university is taken from its location within the historic county boundaries ...
.
Alei Tzion
The London School of Jewish Studies houses the synagogue Alei Tzion. Services take place regularly. These include; Shacharit, Mincha and Maariv prayer. The complete Shabbat services include two children's services.
Notable alumni
*
Michael Adler
Michael Adler DSO, SCF (27 July 1868 – 30 September 1944) was an English Orthodox rabbi, an Anglo-Jewish historian and author who was the first Jewish military chaplain to the British Army to serve in time of war, serving with the Briti ...
(1868-1944), first Jewish military chaplain to serve in a Theatre of War (1915–18).
*
Francis Lyon Cohen
Francis Lyon Cohen VD (14 November 1862 – 26 April 1934) was an English Orthodox rabbi, author and expert on Hebrew music, being the music editor of ''The Jewish Encyclopedia'' (1901–06). The Jewish Lads' Brigade was his brainchild.Willi ...
(1862-1934), first Jewish military chaplain to the
British Army
The British Army is the principal land warfare force of the United Kingdom, a part of the British Armed Forces along with the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force. , the British Army comprises 79,380 regular full-time personnel, 4,090 Gurk ...
(1892-1904).
* Barnett A. Elzas (1867-1936), rabbi and historian in America
*
Benzion Halper Benzion Halper (April 15, 1884 – March 21, 1924) was a Lithuanian-born Jewish-American Hebraist and Arabist.
Life
Halper was born on April 15, 1884, in Žasliai, the Vilna Governorate, Russia, the son of Abel Solomon Halper and Miriam Rosenblo ...
(1884-1924), Hebraist, Arabist, professor at Dropsie College
* Chief Rabbi
Cyril Harris
Cyril Kitchener Harris (19 September 1936 – 13 September 2005) was Chief Rabbi of The Union of Orthodox Synagogues of South Africa from 1987 to 2004.
Harris was born in Glasgow, Scotland. During his tenure as Chief Rabbi, he was noted for ...
(1936-2005), South Africa Chief Rabbi (1987-2004).
* Rabbi Dr Raymond Apple AO (born 1935), Senior Rabbi of the
Great Synagogue (Sydney)
The Great Synagogue is an Orthodox Jewish congregation located in a large heritage-listed synagogue at 187a Elizabeth Street in the Sydney central business district, in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia.
...
Louis Loewe
Louis Loewe (1809–1888; also Louis Löwe) was a Silesian linguist.
He served as principal and director of Judith Theological College for twenty years;
he was a member of the Royal Asiatic Society, Numismatic Society and of the Asiatic Socie ...
(1809-1888), served as the first principal (1855-1858)
*
Barnett Abrahams
Barnett Abrahams (1831 – 15 November 1863) was the Principal of Jews' College, and a Dayan (rabbinic judge) in London.
Abrahams was born in Warsaw in 1831.
His father emigrated to England in 1839, while he and his mother did so only in 1841; t ...
(1831-1863) served as principal (1858-1865)
* Michael Friedlaender (1833-1910) served as principal (1865-1907)
* Adolf Buechler (1846-1939) served as principal (1907-1939)
*
Isidore Epstein
Rabbi Ezekiel Isidore Epstein (יחזקא-ל יצחק אפשטיין ;1894-1962)
was an Orthodox rabbi and rabbinical scholar in England. He is best known as Editor of the first complete English translation of the Babylonian Talmud, and for his ...
(1894-1962) served as principal (1945-1961)
* Hirsch Jacob Zimmels (1900-1975) served as principal (1964-1969)
* Nachum Rabinovitch (1928-2020) served as principal (1971-1983)
*
Jonathan Sacks
Jonathan Henry Sacks, Baron Sacks ( he, יונתן הנרי זקס, translit=Yona'tan Henry Zaks; 8 March 19487 November 2020) was an English Orthodox rabbi, philosopher, theologian, and author. Sacks served as the Chief Rabbi of the United He ...
(1948-2020) served as principal (1984-1990)
* Irving Jacobs (1937-2020) served as principal (1990-1993)
*
Daniel Sinclair
Daniel Sinclair"Daniel Sinclair" profile at History of Jews' College : November 11th 1855 – November 10th 1905 ' London: Luzac & Co.
* Albert Montefiore Hyamson (1955), ''Jews’ College, London, 1855–1955''
* Ruth Goldschmidt-Lehmann (1960; revised 1967), ''History of Jews’ College Library, 1860–1960''
* Derek Taylor (2017), ''Defenders of the Faith: The History of Jews’ College and the London School of Jewish Studies''. London:
Vallentine Mitchell
Vallentine Mitchell is a publishing company based in Elstree, Hertfordshire, England.
The company publishes books on Jewish-related topics. One of its earliest books was the first English-language edition of ''The Diary of Anne Frank''. From ...