Jewish Pathfinders
The study programme Jewish Studies and Intercultural Competence for Jewish Paths (30 credits) is part of the full-time one-year Shvilim – Jewish Paths programme, owned by the Jewish Community of Oslo (DMT). It qualifies students from Norway to work as Jewish Pathfinders under The Action Plan against Antisemitism of the Norwegian government.
Jews are recognized as a national minority in Norway. The Shvilim programme is a part of the joint efforts of the Jewish communities and the Norwegian government to maintain and strengthen Jewish life. Norwegian Shvilim alumni have proved themselves competent Jewish Pathfinders and assumed important roles in interreligious and intercultural dialogue efforts, public representation, and Jewish education. See also about Jødedommen.no (Norwegian website).
International Programme
The study programme Jewish Studies and Intercultural Competence embraces diversity in terms of cultural backgrounds, Jewish education, religious observance, minority and majority experiences, etc. It contributes academic depth and vigour to the Shvilim programme. Students widen their horizons, increase their knowledge, challenge themselves and each other intellectually, and develop their skills in academic reasoning, oral presentations, and paper writing.
Shvilim started as a Scandinavian programme, but since 2023 it recruits students from Jewish communities around the world. The international and diverse student environment has proved a productive workshop for Jewish identity negotiation and the formation of new generations of Jewish leaders.
The one-year Shvilim programme includes longer stays and shorter travels in Israel, Norway, the rest of Europe, and the USA. It offers comprehensive learning, rich experiences, new perspectives, strong friendships, and extensive networks.