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Welcome to the Jewish Studies Program

Jewish studies offers the opportunity to explore the history, cultures, texts, and religion of the Jewish people. Because of the geographic, ethnic, and cultural diversity of the Jews and the long timeline of Jewish history, the field of Jewish studies provides rich possibilities for cross-cultural and comparative study. The program explores the evolving interactions between Judaism and Christianity, Islam, and other religions, as well as the multifaceted interactions between Jewish communities and the majority cultures within which they have lived.

Committed to the Experiential Liberal Arts, the Jewish Studies Program offers:

  • Courses which require observation and experience of Jewish practice and liturgy, and visits to sites of Jewish interest in Boston;
  • New courses making use of tools from the digital humanities in collaborative projects;
  • An immersive and experiential Dialogue to Israel with a dual focus on literature and politics, wide travel, and the opportunity for discussions with Israelis and Palestinians;
  • Co-curricular programs including Jewish text study, films and music, and Holocaust Awareness Week commemorations and survivor testimonies.

We have a range of ways we create community and stay in touch with students, faculty, and everyone interested in our programming. Have a look out our blog, Facebook page, and Twitter and Instagram accounts stay in conversation and follow what’s happening with us.

The Jewish Studies Program is grateful for the generous support of the Ruderman Family Foundation.

Lori Lefkovitz, Ruderman Professor of Jewish Studies

The Jewish Studies Program is grateful for the generous support of the Ruderman Family Foundation.