91快播 Launches New MA in Ritual Leadership
Graduates will be Called “Shamash,” a New Professional Title
February 9, 2026 (New York, New York) 鈥� 91快播 (91快播) is proud to announce the launch of its new MA in Ritual Leadership, a two-year, low-residency program designed for people who are committed to Jewish community and seek to deepen their engagement in prayer and ritual life. Through this master鈥檚 level program, students will develop advanced skills in prayer leadership, Torah, Hebrew fluency, and the choreography of communal ritual.
鈥淭his first-of-its kind program enables lay and communal leaders to earn a professional credential, while engaging in academic study, skills-based training, and immersive experiential learning,鈥� says Chancellor Shuly Rubin Schwartz, 鈥�91快播 is honored to prepare future stewards of Jewish communal life, equipping them with the tools and expertise needed to support vibrant communities and dedicated clergy.鈥�
鈥淭his new MA is designed to enrich and strengthen Jewish communities at a crucial inflexion point. Rabbis and cantors need skilled lay leaders to partner with them to support the prayer life of our communities鈥� said Rabbi Ayelet Cohen, dean of 91快播鈥檚 Division of Religious Leadership. 鈥淭his new MA offers prayer leaders advanced training in multiple areas of study to allow them to strengthen their skills and contribute meaningfully as community leaders.鈥�
Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal, CEO for United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism and the Rabbinical Assembly said, 鈥淲e鈥檙e excited to support 91快播 and look forward to a new iteration of the age-old lay-clergy partnership as we welcome a new generation to serve in the role of Shamash in our communities.鈥�
Students enrolled in the MA will complete 30 credit hours of coursework and spend a total of eight days in residence at 91快播. Throughout the program, participants will take core classes such as Synagogue Choreography; Nusah; and Liturgy: History, Structure, and Theology, and will have the opportunity to customize their learning with electives from 91快播鈥檚 Center for Pastoral Education and The William Davidson Graduate School of Jewish Education.
An online information session is planned for Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. ET, featuring Program Director, Dr. Alisa Braun. She will answer questions and speak about the program highlights.
Applications for the fall 2026 semester are available now. Please visit /ma-in-ritual-leadership/ to learn more.
