A strongly interdisciplinary field, Jewish Studies crosses into history, music, literature, political science, international affairs, sociology, women’s studies, religion, philosophy, and modern languages. The Jewish Studies program offers exciting classes in both Israel Studies and the history, art, music, and literature of Diaspora Jewish communities around the world.
Students can choose from a number of different tracks through which to explore Jewish Studies: a Jewish Studies minor, a Combined Major in Jewish Studies and Religion, a Specialization in Social Justice, Identity, and Religion within the Human Services major, and an integrated five-year BA/MA or BA/MJEd program with Hebrew College.
Experiential Education in the Jewish Studies Program includes study abroad options in Israel and internships and co-ops both abroad and in the United States at a variety of organizations, such as the Jewish Community Relations Council, Facing History and Ourselves, the Jewish Women’s Archives, and the Israeli Consulate.
Jewish Studies also offers scholarships to outstanding students and sponsors frequent public lectures, performances, and exhibitions both on campus and in the Greater Boston area.
Why Jewish Studies?
- Judaism, an evolving religious civilization, is the world’s oldest monotheistic religion.
- The Jewish experience is characterized by cultural and ethnic diversity reflected in a wide range of expressions of music, art, and literature.
- The key elements that shape the Jewish experience (religion, ethnicity, history, culture, nationality) are also essential to understanding today’s complex and diverse society. Jewish Studies introduces students not only to the theory behind these concepts but also to how they shape everyday lives.
- Students who major or minor in Jewish Studies are prepared for jobs in education, social services, politics, museums and archives, synagogues, and many other fields.
- In Jewish Studies classes, students explore vitally important subjects such as identity, assimilation, culture, religion, and social justice and acquire the tools and knowledge for a more critical and analytical understanding of the religious and secular world around them.
- Familiarity with Judaism is necessary for a full understanding of Western society.
- Jewish Studies classes are welcoming to all, regardless of identity or background!
If you have any questions about the program or would like to request further information, please contact our Associate Director, Dr. Jennifer Sartori, at j.sartori@neu.edu or 617-373-7045.