Welcome to the Wesleyan University Center for Jewish Studies
Conversation with CJS Alumni
Interview with Etgar Keret
Etgar Keret speaks with Dalit Katz during his recent visit at Wesleyan
Wesleyan has an over forty-year history in sponsoring learning in this area. Courses in Jewish studies and in Hebrew were introduced at Wesleyan in 1967. In its initial years, the program was a modest, though ambitious one and included mainly courses in Judaism and Hebrew language taught in the Religion Department. Over the years the curriculum has grown significantly and courses are taught not only in the Religion Department, but also in a number of other departments. The Hebrew program has become especially robust with classes on all levels from Beginning Hebrew through advanced courses in Israeli film, TV shows, literature and culture. Students interested in spending their semester abroad in Israel can enroll in one of the approved programs at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Ben-Gurion University in Be'er Sheva, and Haifa University.
In 2014, The Center for Jewish Studies was established. The Director of the Center, advised by core faculty, is responsible for developing and maintaining the curriculum in the Center for Jewish Studies. The core faculty is joined by a number of faculty members from various departments who offer occasional courses in the field and add range to the program of studies. The curriculum has been especially enriched through the auspices of the Silverberg Distinguished Scholar in Residence that allows the Center for Jewish Studies to bring to the University a distinguished scholar as a visiting professor. Over the years the position has been held by, among others, Joshua Sobol, Etgar Keret and Israeli Film directors. Recently, the Education Policy Committee at Wesleyan University has approved the change from a Certificate program in Jewish and Israel Studies to a Minor in Jewish and Israel Studies. This multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary minor explores various academic areas such as Jewish religion, Jewish culture, Jewish letters and Israel Studies. Courses are offered by Jewish and Israel core and affiliated faculty, Jewish and Israel distinguished visitors and other Wesleyan faculty. To complete the Minor students need to take five courses. For more information please check https://www.wesleyan.edu/cjs/jisminor.html.
Classroom learning has been amply supplemented by a stimulating program of extra-curricular lectures and cultural events including the presentation of academic papers in Jewish history and culture, poetry readings, art exhibits, films, and concerts all sponsored by the Center for Jewish Studies. Especially noteworthy is a lecture series, Contemporary Israeli Voices, and the annual Spring semester Ring Family Wesleyan University Israeli Film Festival. For further information on these public events, and news about the Program, its faculty and students, please consult the website; https://www.wesleyan.edu/cjs/
In addition to fostering undergraduate studies, the faculty in the Center for Jewish Studies is also committed to Wesleyan’s efforts in providing continuing learning opportunities for alumni and parents. We sponsor seminars during Family Weekend in the Fall as well as at Reunion/Graduation Weekend in the Spring. Our faculty also enjoy visiting Alumni Clubs to make off-campus presentations. For further information please contact Professor Dalit Katz at dkatz01@wesleyan.edu.
Event Calendar
There are no events at this time.
Students' Achievements
Benjamin McMahon '24
Hannah Steinberg '24
The Center for Jewish Studies is delighted to announce the 2024 winners of theNeedler Prize for excellence in Jewish Studies and Hebrew and Scott Prize for excellence in Hebrew Studies:
Benjamin McMahon '24 Hannah Steinberg '24
Congratulations to all our accomplished students who always go above and beyond any expectations and impressed us with their love of study and endless enthusiasm. We will miss them tremendously but know that they will be successful in their new paths.
Jori Balsam '23
Abigail Fisher '23
Sasha Gerber '23
Aaron Goldman '23
Christa Ishimwe '23
The Center for Jewish Studies is delighted to announce the 2023 winners of the Needler Prize for excellence in Jewish Studies and Hebrew:
And the 2023 winners of the Scott Prize for excellence in Hebrew Studies:
Aaron Goldman '23 Christa Ishimwe '23
Congratulations to all our accomplished students who always go above and beyond any expectations and impressed us with their love of study and endless enthusiasm. We will miss them tremendously but know that they will be successful in their new paths.
Shayna Dollinger '22
Jacob Abbisso '22
Natasha Marder '22
Maddie Nagler '22
The Center for Jewish Studies is delighted to announce the 2022 winners of the Needler Prize for excellence in Jewish Studies and Hebrew
Jacob Abbisso '22 Shayna Dollinger '22
And the 2022 winners of Scott Prize for excellence in Hebrew Studies:
Natasha Marder '22 Maddie Nagler '22
Congratulations to all our accomplished students who always go above and beyond any expectations and impressed us with their love of study and endless enthusiasm. We will miss them tremendously but know that they will be successful in their new paths.
Niels Vizgan
Alma Pres
The Center for Jewish Studies is delighted to announce the winners of the Needler Prize for excellence in Jewish Studies and the Scott Prize for excellence in Hebrew Studies.
The winner of the Needler Prize is: Niels Vizgan
And the winners of Scott Prize for excellence in Hebrew Studies are:
Niels Vizgan Alma Pres
Congratulations to all our accomplished students who always go above and beyond any expectations and impressed us with their love of study and endless enthusiasm. We will miss them tremendously but know that they will be successful in their new paths.
Benjamin Lefkowitz '20
Adina Gitomer '20
Andrew Schwarz '20
Nate Gillman '20
The Center for Jewish Studies is delighted to announce the 2020 winners of the Needler Prize for excellence in Jewish Studies and Hebrew
Benjamin Lefkowitz '20 Adina Gitomer '20
And the 2020 winners of Scott Prize for excellence in Hebrew Studies:
Andrew Schwarz '20 Nate Gillman '20
Congratulations to all our accomplished students who always go above and beyond any expectations and impressed us with their love of study and endless enthusiasm. We will miss them tremendously but know that they will be successful in their new paths.
Shani Erdman '19
Becca Weinzimer '19
The Center for Jewish Studies is delighted to announce that Shani Erdman and Becca Weinzimer are the co-winners of the 2019 Needler Prize for Excellence in Jewish Studies and Hebrew. Both Becca and Shai completed successfully the Hebrew Program as well as the Certificate for Jewish and Israel Studies. Their enthusiasm, wit and commitment have been exemplary and we are very proud of their academic achievements.
Joao Pedro Pereira-Webber '18 Winner of the 2018 Needler Prize of Excellence in Jewish Studies and Hebrew J.P’s commitment to Jewish Studies is exemplary. J.P. took almost every course offered by Jewish Studies and its visiting faculty specializing in Israeli films. Last summer he interned with Avi Nesher, one of the most renowned Israeli film directors, and worked on the production of Nesher’s newest film. J.P is a Film major.
Rachel Alpert '18 Winner of the 2018 Scott Prize in Hebrew for Excellence in Modern Languages Rachel completed the Hebrew program successfully as well as the follow up course, Advanced Hebrew Tutorial. In addition, Rachel completed all the requirements for the Certificate in Jewish and Israel Studies and wrote a thesis related to Jewish Studies titled "Two Sets of Silverware: Non-Orthodox Kashrut Observance in Israel and the United States."
Also congratulations to the other wonderful students who completed the Certificate for Jewish and Israel Studies:
