Giving in Action: Jewish Studies

Thanks to the generosity, passion and vision of supporters across Colorado, the United States and the globe, we are able to empower students, build bridges with the public, and reimagine what it means to be a Jewish Studies program in the twenty-first century.

 

“I am profoundly grateful for the support that we have received from so many of you, and honored at the trust that you have placed in the Program in Jewish Studies. These are challenging times, and it’s vital that we pursue our mission of educating the globally engaged individuals and communal leaders of tomorrow through the academic exploration of Jewish thought, culture, history, and religion. Thank you for being our partners in creating a community of learning where this is possible.” 

Samira K. Mehta, Director of Jewish Studies

In the last year...

 

8

student scholarships, fellowships and research assistantships were awarded by Jewish Studies.

 

1564

attendees from across the globe participated in Jewish Studies public programs.

 

It is difficult to put into words how influential a role the Program in Jewish Studies played in my personal, academic and career growth during my time at the University of Colorado «Ƶ. From my very first semester, I knew the Program was special; as a smaller Program, I was able to receive unparalleled support, opportunities and resources that pushed me to be not just a better student, but a better person. I cherish all the memories and connections that were only possible because of Jewish Studies.

Julia Leone (IntlAf, JewishSt'22)

Experiential Learning

Undergraduate Research Assistantships

Our Undergraduate Research Assistant Program provides students with opportunities to collaborate with faculty on cutting-edge research projects by asking new questions, producing new knowledge and sharing their findings with friends, faculty, family members and the broader public.

Global Travel

Our scholarships, fellowships and new Global Intensive program enable undergraduate and graduate students to participate in study abroad opportunities, language learning, research initiatives and other activities in Israel, Turkey, Germany, Scotland and many other locations around the world.

Innovations in Jewish Life Collections

Our scholarships and fellowships allow students and visiting scholars to produce new knowledge and gain hands-on digital humanities experience through research in CU «Ƶ’s internationally recognized Innovations in Jewish Life Collections.

 

The Program in Jewish Studies at CU «Ƶ was instrumental to my development as a well-rounded scholar. As a graduate student, I was grateful to have the guidance and support of leading scholars in the field. The Jewish Studies Program facilitated conference travels, allowed me to expand my knowledge through organized guest talks and symposia, and offered valuable opportunities to workshop my project together with my peers.

Adi Nester (PhD Ger'20)

Engaging the Public

Visiting Scholars and Artists

Our Sondra and Howard Bender Visiting Scholar series, International Holocaust Remembrance Day programs, Embodied Judaism symposia, and Israel/Palestine Studies events make CU «Ƶ a “go-to” location for visiting scholars and artists to share their work with faculty, students, and members of the public. All of our public programming is supported by the David Shneer Fund for Community Programming, Public Scholarship and the Arts, honoring the memory of our beloved friend and colleague, Professor David Shneer z”l.

Civic Partnerships

In partnership with the Office of Outreach and Engagement Arts and Humanities Initiative, our Peak to Peak series brings CU «Ƶ scholars into conversation with audiences, communities and civic institutions across Colorado and beyond.

Schmooze-A-Palooza

Our annual Schmooze-a-Palooza festival brings together students, alumni, faculty and members of the public for a concert featuring classic and contemporary Hebrew music.

 

I am incredibly grateful to the Jewish Studies Program for the well-rounded education they have provided me. The relationships I’ve formed with my professors are truly unique, fostering a positive, challenging, and safe learning environment, semester after semester. I feel equipped with principal tools to excel inside and outside of the classroom, thanks to the unwavering support of the Jewish Studies Program at CU «Ƶ.

Gigi Saad, Current Jewish Studies Major

Doing Jewish Studies Differently

Jews of Color: Histories and Futures

We are the recipient of a three-year, $250,000 grant from the Henry Luce Foundation to launch Jews of Color: Histories and Futures. Spearheaded by Professor Samira Mehta (Jewish Studies and Women and Gender Studies), this initiative recovers, studies and elevates the voices and experiences of Jews of color in the United States.

Launched by Professor Eyal Rivlin (Jewish Studies) and CU graduate Lior Gross, the Nonbinary Hebrew Project makes Hebrew—historically a gendered language—accessible and usable for nonbinary individuals. Animated by the belief that language has the power to include or exclude, welcome or estrange, this project has received widespread coverage in outlets such as The New York Times, Ჹ’aٳ and the Times of Israel, and is being implemented in communities across the globe.

First Endowed Professorship in Israel/Palestine Studies

Since 2015, we have been the home of North America’s first endowed professorship in Israel/Palestine Studies. Held by Professor Hilary Falb Kalisman (Jewish Studies and History), this professorship reimagines what it means to study the Middle East, build bridges between academic fields and foster meaningful conversations with scholars, artists and members of the public.

 

The Program in Jewish Studies has been an integral force throughout my journey at CU. Being a Jewish Studies minor has provided me with rigorous, interdisciplinary study, opportunities to pursue individual academic research, earn scholarships, travel and learn abroad, and build relationships with supportive faculty. The supportive and collaborative community of the program is unparalleled at CU.

Shane Ball, Class of 2023
Majors: Economics, History
Minors: Leadership Studies, Jewish Studies

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