Jewish Studies
Minor
Jewish Studies
Jewish Studies - Psalms in a Synagogue
Jewish Studies is an exciting, interdisciplinary field that draws from history, literature, and philosophy to explore the history of the Jews and of the Jewish religion.
Jewish Studies explores Judaism as a religion, but also looks at how Jews around the world have formed new interactive cultures and shared histories.
Through your coursework, you will learn the history of Judaism, and find out how this religion has grown, changed, and adapted itself over the centuries, in multiple parts of the world. You will also learn about Judaism’s basic belief system and about the long histories of anti-Semitism.
Perhaps most importantly, you will explore the role of Judaism in the modern world, and see how historical events of the last century and a half have affected the Jews religiously, socially, and culturally, as well as how Judaism has affected the world.
Need More Info?
For questions about the Jewish Studies program, please contact:
Lisa Keller
Professor of History
Latest Stories
A Letter from Outgoing Jewish Studies Coordinator Rachel Hallote
I first came to Purchase College as Coordinator of the Jewish Studies Program in the fall of 2001, just days before 9/11. It was quite a beginning, learning the ropes in the wake of a national catastrophe.
Welcome Professor Lisa Keller
I am delighted to have the honor of becoming Purchase College’s Jewish Studies Program Coordinator starting Fall 2021.
Spotlight On Students
The Richard Alan Sarnoff Prize in Jewish Studies
This year’s Sarnoff award in Jewish Studies, presented at the Humanities Awards Ceremony in May, went to Martin Drob. Martin was a History Major with a strong interest in Jewish Studies, who wrote his Senior Project about the United States’ response to the Holocaust.