University courses that teach Yiddish provide students with the tools needed to learn the language, its history and the cultural information about Judaism and Jews that Yiddish texts impart. Jews in Eastern Europe spoke Yiddish into the 20th century and the language defined the Jewish community of the area through the literature and scholarly works produced by people who spoke Yiddish. Many well-known artists started their careers in Yiddish. Today, Yiddish studies provide an opportunity to learn about Jewish history of Eastern Europe, 19th century America, religious Jewish philosophy and early Zionist settlers of Israel. Columbia University and the University of Michigan offer undergraduate and graduate programs in Yiddish Studies.
Brandeis University offers a graduate degree program that prepares students to enter a career in Jewish communal service. Jewish organizations, including Jewish Federations, community centers, charities, social organizations and cultural institutions look for staff members who have an understanding of the Jewish world and its unique character and needs. The Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership Program prepares students to understand and confront the challenges and changes facing the Jewish community and help shape its future by engaging American Jews in institutions that interest them.
Students who wish to work in the Jewish community as spiritual leaders may apply to one of the Rabbinic programs at a Jewish seminary. Rabbis lead congregations, teach, provide counseling, direct camps, serve as chaplains and perform many other jobs to serve the spiritual needs of the Jewish community. The major Rabbinic denominations in the United States include the Orthodox, Conservative and Reform branches. Each operates its own seminaries which grant graduate degrees in Rabbinical studies after a four- or five-year program of study. Hebrew Union College grants Rabbinical degrees in Cincinnati, Los Angeles and New York through the Reform denomination. The Jewish Theological Seminary offers Conservative Rabbinical degrees at their New York campus. Yeshiva University's New York campus grants Orthodox ordination and degrees.
Universities and colleges offer a wide variety of Judaic studies programs that feature analysis of Jewish religion, history, language, literature and culture. Each university that offers such a program tailors it to fit the perspective of the staff and the needs and interests of its students. Princeton University and Yale University offer graduate and undergraduate Jewish studies programs.