What We Do
The Center for Jewish Studies serves as an umbrella organization, encompassing and coordinating the many academic and extra-curricular programs in Jewish Studies at Harvard University.
Welcome Derek Penslar, New CJS Director
The Center for Jewish Studies welcomes its new Director, Derek J. Penslar, William Lee Frost Professor of Jewish History at the Department of History. Professor Penslar succeeds David Stern, Harry Starr Professor of Classical and Modern Jewish and Hebrew Literature and Professor of Comparative Literature, who directed the CJS since 2016.
Academics
Fellowship Opportunities
The Center for Jewish Studies supports a number of fellowships and prizes for qualified undergraduate and graduate Harvard students, as well as an exchange program for graduate students in Jewish studies with The Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
We are also pleased to support and host research scholars, Visiting Professors and Lecturers in Jewish studies from outside Harvard.
Recent News
- The CJS held its Winter Reception on February 6, 2024Thank you to all who joined us in welcoming this year’s Fellows and Visitors! We were happy to host this lovely event, and to provide Faculty, Fellows, Visitors and students a chance to mingle! Looking forward…
- Samira K. Mehta | More Babies and More Birth Control: American Jews and the Politics of ReproductionThe Women’s Studies in Religion Program, Harvard Divinity SchoolPresents: “More Babies and More Birth Control: American Jews and the Politics of Reproduction“ Samira K. Mehta, Visiting Associate Professor of North American Religions Thursday,February 29, 2024 at…
- Recording now available: Romy Neumark | “Beyond the Headlines: Rethinking Language, Gender, and Inclusivity in Israeli Journalism”The CJS is happy to present a recording of: Romy Neumark | “Beyond the Headlines: Rethinking Language, Gender, and Inclusivity in Israeli Journalism” A Talk in the Jewish Cultures and Societies Seminar Series, Mahindra Humanities center at Harvard…
Upcoming Events
Giving to the CJS
The Center for Jewish Studies is very grateful to our donors for their generosity in supporting our endeavors. Those pursuing Jewish studies at Harvard University may benefit from a number of endowment and current use funds established over the years. New funds are formed continuously to support students and scholars in their pursuit for greater knowledge and achievement in this field. These may also support publications, events, other activities and administration at the Center for Jewish Studies.
Our Newsletter
Our office proudly presents annual or biannual Newsletters with comprehensive accounts of current work done at the CJS.