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
- Rachel Rockenmacher: 2025 Harvard Hero!
The CJS congratulates Rachel Rockenmacher, our Executive Director, for being recognized a 2025 Harvard Hero! In June, we were joined by Rachel’s family, friends, neighbors and colleagues to celebrate the special moment. The Harvard Heroes program… - DR. SHAYE COHEN, NATHAN LITTAUER PROFESSOR OF HEBREW LITERATURE AND PHILOSOPHY, RETIRES
On September 27, 2024, the Department of Near Eastern Languages and the Center for Jewish Studies at Harvard invited colleagues, friends, and family to honor Shaye J. D. Cohen, Nathan Littauer Professor of Hebrew Literature and Philosophy,… - CJS Main Office closure notice
The CJS main office at the HMANE (6 Divinity Ave.) will be closed for in-person visits this week Wednesday-Friday, June 25-6.27 because of building maintenance. We will be available by email, and our Vanserg office will…
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.
