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.
CJS Director: Derek Penslar
Derek J. Penslar is William Lee Frost Professor of Jewish History at the Department of History.
Read more about our Faculty Leadership
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
- Malky Goldman | “On the Road: Adventures In and Out of Yiddish”The Yiddish Program Hosts Malky Goldman | “On the Road: Adventures In and Out of Yiddish” December 4, 2025, 5:00pmBarker Center 211 THIS EVENT IS OPEN TO HARVARD ID HOLDERS ONLY!…
- Etgar Keret Visits Modern Hebrew Classes
Etgar Keret Visits Modern Hebrew Classes On November 13, 2026, Etgar Keret, an Israeli writer known for his short stories, graphic novels, and scriptwriting for film and television, visited the Modern Hebrew students. Together with instructors… - Farbindungen Yiddish Studies Conference 2026 Call for Papers – Yiddish At Work!Farbindungen Yiddish Studies Conference 2026 Call for Papers The theme for this year’s conference is Yiddish at Work / ייִדיש בײַ דער אַרבעט Conference Date: Sunday, February 15 and Monday, February 16, 2026 Location: Virtual Application Deadline: Friday, November 21, 2025 Now…
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.
