About This Micro-Credential
The LGBTQ+ Jewish Studies Micro-Credential offers students the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the intersection of LGBTQ+ identity and Jewish tradition. This program explores LGBTQ+ Jewish theology, traditional texts on gender and sexuality, pastoral counseling practices, and liturgical approaches—all through a queer-affirming lens. Students will learn how to support and advocate for LGBTQ+ Jews, create more inclusive Jewish spaces, and develop their own rabbinic approach to addressing LGBTQ+ issues.
Courses
Course 1: 2SLGBTQIA+ Theoretical Overview
Get an introduction to terminology, queer theory, understanding intersectionality and the difference between gender and sexuality, theoretical approaches to identity development, political and external influences, and rabbinic implications.
Course 2: Traditional Jewish Textual Sources on Gender and Sexuality
A comprehensive overview of Jewish thinking regarding the traditional Jewish texts on gender and sexuality. Discuss Torah and traditional rabbinic sources on these issues, with a focus on how these apply to 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals.
Course 3: Contemporary and Denominational Approaches to the 2SLGBTQIA+ Jewish Community
Learn about contemporary and denominational approaches to the 2SLGBTQIA+ Jewish community and understand the range of ways to serve this special population and create affirming Jewish communities.
Course 4: Pastoral Counseling 2SLGBTQIA+ Jews and their loved ones
An overview of clinical and theoretical considerations on 2SLGBTQIA+ identity formation and sexual orientation development that can guide rabbinic and pastoral counseling. Topics of concern include adverse religious experiences, religious trauma, SOGIECE (sexual orientation and gender identity and expression change efforts) practices, and conversion “therapy”.
Course 5: Liturgical and Ritual Approaches for 2SLGBTQIA+ Jews and Their Loved Ones
Learn about the diverse rabbinic and pastoral approaches to liturgy and ritual, as well as explore ways to queer Jewish texts, using art, and midrash for worship and lifecycle purposes.
Course 6: 2SLGBTQIA+ Jewish Community Policies, Practices, and More
Study policies and practices that create safe, inclusive Jewish spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ Jews, focusing on community engagement strategies, synagogue policies, and social justice concerns.
Additional Information
Once all 6 courses are complete, this LGBTQ+ Jewish Studies Micro-Credential course unlocks. Students will upload their transcript showing completion of the prerequisites, and once reviewed, the student will receive their micro-credential. There are no additional credits for receiving this micro-credential.
This micro-credential is open to PRS alumni and current PRS rabbinical students.