Karaite Jewish University
 

Karaite Jewish University takes up the banner of the handful of Karaite educational institutions that have previously existed.  The Bakhtawi Academy (Yeshivat Bakhtawi) circa 1000 to 1071 was the last existing prominent Karaite educational institution of which we are aware.  KJU seeks to become the Jewish university of tomorrow while not forgetting our past.   We embrace the responsibilities of leadership in the advancement and celebration of the Jewish Karaite community, which this undertaking requires. 

In practice Karaite Judaism is very much a scholarship oriented religion.  It places upon every Karaite the duty to "search the scriptures well" to find the best reasoned and factually supported position about what YHVH demands of us. On occasion Karaites will differ, but these differences should be a source of strength and celebration and not acrimony.  For eventually further analysis and scholarship focusing on the issue generally provides a greater consensus as to the most well reasoned approach.  

Optimistic about the prospects for a vibrant re-emergence of a Jewish Karaite community, our goal is to add faculty, expand our curriculum and develop innovative academic programs that offer Certificates of Conversion, and Associates and Bachelors undergraduate degrees, graduate Masters and Doctorate degrees and confer the Honorary title of Hakham/Hakhamah on congregational and scholarly leaders who have demonstrated an exceptional leadership or scholarship.   By faithfully answering the call of YHVH, our graduates will make a difference in the world. 

Our role as a leadership training ground is matched by our commitment to providing the broader community with many substantive educational experiences.  KJU plans to offer a wide array of lectures, symposia, special institutes, classes and a number of cultural offerings, thus enhancing thousands of individuals’ understanding of Karaite Judaism and expanding their knowledge about the history, traditions and language of their heritage. 

KJU's mandate to succeed is imperative. Failure is not an option for it will once again leave the Karaite Jewish Community without a unifying organization to teach its children about the oldest existing modern branch of Judaism that is known by its current name.  

In December of 2006, KJU staff met with Moetzet Hakhamin (Council of Sages) in Ramlah, Israel and received the approval to teach an Introduction to Karaite Judaism Course.  KJU looks ahead, not only to the exciting possibilities at our Jewish university, but also to the promise and potential of the world's millions of Jews who until now have never heard of Karaite Judaism. KJU aims to make inroads into this abyss and by so doing forge a new relationship with our Rabbinic brethren. 

KJU is for the entire Jewish community: potential converts, college students, graduate students, aspiring Hakhamin and Jews of every belief, background and branch of Judaism are welcome to learn here. As our program develops we invite you to learn more about them.