How fiction and film are shaping the Occupation narrative in France
In two new books, Daniel R. Schwarz considers France and the Holocaust – and how literature and film can correct erroneous depictions of history.
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Founded on the conviction that the record contained in the languages, literature, and history of the Jewish people, as these developed across the globe and over thousands of years, are an integral part of human heritage.
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Jewish Studies News
Alumni gift endows director position for Jewish Studies Program
The $5 million gift from Joseph Lubeck ’78 offers the Jewish Studies Program foundational support for the future.
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Celebrating “What Works” in creating engaging learning experiences 
The Center for Teaching Innovation will host “What Works,” on Oct. 1, featuring presentations, the Canvas Course Spotlight awardees, and a poster showcase that will demonstrate engaged learning approaches from Cornell faculty teaching in a diverse range of courses and fields.
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Holocaust testimony is AI litmus test, and it fails
A Cornell historian argues that human historians are vital to capture the emotional and moral complexity behind world events.
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Fall Holidays and Jewish Students
The KNIGHTLYnews is an online forum where FWS instructors and other teachers of writing can swap and share ideas for best classroom practice.
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New book introduces Maimonides, ‘one of civilization’s greatest minds’
Maimonides, one of the most significant intellectual figures of the medieval period,worked as a physician, thought like a scientist, and served as a leader of the Jewish community in Cairo.
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Special career workshop focuses on outlook for 2026
“This year, we highly recommend that students employ a well-defined strategy of targeting companies and tailoring their resume to applications."
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Former NYT editor named Distinguished Visiting Journalist
Sam Tanenhaus is the former editor-in-chief of both the New York Times’ Book Review and the Week in Review and was a Times writer at large.
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Engage with Jewish Studies
Major in Jewish studies
Start your journey by taking a class such as “Introduction to Judaism” (JWST 2644), studying Hebrew or Yiddish, or enrolling in or one of the many other courses we offer.
Tempted by more than one Jewish studies course? Consider pursuing a major in Jewish studies.
Join the conversation
Participate in a Yiddish conversation hour, Friday Nov. 28 at noon on Zoom. Contact David Forman for more information.
Participate in our Hebrew Hangout, Thursday, December 4, 9:30-10:00am, 410 White Hall. Contact Shalom Shoer for more information.
Conduct research
Explore the resources at the Cornell Library.
Apply for funding to support summer research and travel. We offer summer funding to Cornell undergraduate and graduate students.
Support the program
Your support enables the program to enhance the experience for undergraduate students. Gifts can help fund lectures and conferences, student research, distinguished speakers, and other program priorities. We will greatly appreciate and immediately put into use any gift, no matter the amount.