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
- Spring 2025 Events at the Julis-Rabinowitz Program
Spring 2025 Events at the Julis-Rabinowitz program on Jewish and Israeli Law, Harvard Law School. Tuesday February 4 @ 12:15 pm Hauser Hall 101 “The Judicial Overhaul in Israel: A Political Perspective on Executive Aggrandizement” Oded… - February Events Sponsored by CJSThe CJS is sponsoring and co-sponsoring the following events during the month of February. Please check each individual event page for more detailed information. We look forward to seeing you! February 3, 20256:00 pm “Empire and…
- Call for Papers: 13th Annual ucLADINO Judeo-Spanish Conference | Ladino In & Beyond the Home Call for Papers: 13th Annual ucLADINO Judeo-Spanish Conference (Vitual) | Ladino In & Beyond the Home Keynote Speaker: Margaret E. Boyle (Bowdoin College) Conference Date: April 2, 2025 Location: University of California, Los Angeles (VIRTUAL) Application…
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.
