Friends of Israel Institute of Jewish Studies

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William L. Krewson, M.Phil., Director

Professor

O. Herbert Hirt, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Edgar B. Hardesty, Th.M.

Adjunct Faculty

Douglas Bookman, Th.D.
Steve Herzig, B.A., B.S.
Thomas Simcox, B.S. 

History

In 1986, The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry began The Institute of Biblical Studies at their headquarters in Deptford, New Jersey. The Institute offered a one-year curriculum that included biblical, doctrinal, historical, and practical studies. Primary goals were to give the student an understanding of the Jewish background of the Scriptures, and an appreciation of the history and culture of the Jewish people and their role in the divine plan. The Institute used a modular form of scheduling.

In 1996, The Friends of Israel requested that this successful program be relocated to the Langhorne campus of Philadelphia Biblical University and be offered as one of many accredited programs available at the University. Boards of trustees of both institutions approved this action, and the name of the Institute was changed to The Institute of Jewish Studies.

Although the Institute is now under the direction of the University, there continues to be a close association between the Institute faculty and students with The Friends of Israel.

Program

The IJS program can be viewed as terminal for those pursuing a support ministry that requires one year of Bible education. It may also be used as the first year of a bachelor’s degree program. Credits are applicable to the degree programs offered at the University or, when appropriate, are transferable to other institutions.

The IJS program offers the following special opportunities:

1. A study of the Bible and history from a Jewish perspective
2. A personalized classroom experience with a group of motivated students and professors
3. An intensive academic program structured in three-week modules that total 38 credits (36 credits are required for the certificate)
4. An unforgettable two-week study tour in the land of Israel or other Bible lands
5. Abundant opportunities for ministry

Procedures

Students enrolled in The Institute of Jewish Studies are classified as full- or part-time undergraduate students on the Langhorne campus. This entails the following:

1. IJS students must meet the University’s undergraduate admission standards and complete the admissions process. On the application they should indicate that they are interested in the IJS program.
2. IJS students pay the standard tuition, room/board, and fee charges and are eligible to apply for the financial aid assistance described in the Financial Information section. 
3. IJS students may choose to be resident students, who live in on-campus dormitories and eat in the dining commons.
4. IJS students are eligible to participate in University extracurricular activities.
5. IJS students register for a special curriculum that is taught in eight, 3-week modules. Students attend 22.5 class hours per week.
6. The IJS calendar follows the University’s semester schedule.
7. IJS students are urged to participate in a two-week tour to Israel or other Bible lands in March. (One week of this is Spring Break. The tour expense is not covered by tuition.)
8. IJS students are expected to attend chapel and participate in student ministry.

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