Congratulations Class of 2023
We look forward to seeing where your experiences lead you in life. Congratulations on your graduation.
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Ensuring that the richness of Jewish culture is energetically presented at Cornell.
Jewish Studies Program
Celebrating 50 years of Jewish Studies at Cornell
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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News
Lecture to explore how understanding history of anti-semitism can help us today
On April 20, Director of the Institute for Advanced Study, David Nirenberg, will give a talk on the history of anti-semitism and how it can help us understand debates about anti-semitism today.
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Jewish Studies celebrates 50 years with speakers, conferences
The program now has four endowed faculty positions, 28 affiliated faculty from more than 15 departments and nearly 40 courses offered each year.
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In a Posthumous Memoir, Famed Prof Recalls a Turbulent Childhood
Long before Isaac Kramnick joined the Cornell faculty, he was a foster child from a family grappling with poverty and mental illness.
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When there’s an “I” in history
Enzo Traverso critiques a new trend in historical writing, in which historians place themselves in their books.
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Brann elected as Fellow of the Medieval Academy of America
In recognition of his distinguished scholarly contributions to medieval studies, Brann will be inducted during the academy’s annual meeting in Washington, D.C. on Feb. 25.
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Noah Tamarkin's book given awards
Noah Tamarkin's book "Genetic Afterlives: Black Jewish Indigeneity in South Africa" (Duke University Press, 2020) has recently received two awards.
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Spring 2023 Jewish studies classes
Pre-enrollment for Spring 2023 begins November 2 for undergraduate students at Cornell.
Read MoreCourses of Interest
Fall 2023
Elementary Yiddish I offered MTWR 12:20-1:10 p.m. 4 credits
Judaism and Gender offered MW 11:40-12:55 p.m. 3 credits
The Lower East Side: Jews and Immigrant City offered T 2:00-4:30 p.m. 3 credits
Research in Jewish Studies offered W 2:00-4:30 p.m. 3 credits
More Information
Engage with Jewish Studies
Take a class
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.
Declare a major in Jewish studies
Tempted by more than one Jewish studies course? Consider pursuing a major in Jewish studies.
Attend a program
Join a live lecture, panel discussion, literary reading, or performance, or explore our video archive of previous events. Check our event calendar.
Participate in a Yiddish conversation hour, Friday's at noon on Zoom.
Conduct Research
Explore the resources at the Cornell Library.
Apply for funding to support summer research and travel. We offer grants for undergraduate and graduate students!
Get program updates
We send bi-monthly emails with program event and news updates during the academic school year.
Give to Jewish Studies
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.
Recent Publication
Foster Child
A Midcentury Jewish American Boyhood
Isaac Kramnick
Edited by: Ross Brann
Occasional Publications of the Program of Jewish Studies and the Department of Near Eastern Studies #7, 2022
Available for purchase at the Cornell Store