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.
The Center for Jewish Studies wishes you a Happy Jewish New Year!
L’Shana Tova!
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
- “Jews and Israel a Year After October 7” | Event Covered by Harvard Magazine“Jews and Israel a Year After October 7” | Event Covered by Harvard Magazine On October 8, Professors Noah Feldman and Derek Penslar discussed the cultural and legal realities that have unfolded in Israel since the…
- Honoring Professor Shaye J. D. Cohen at his RetirementHonoring Professor Shaye J. D. Cohen at his Retirement 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….
- A Festschrift Presentation in Honor of David SternA Festschrift Presentation in Honor of David Stern On September 16, 2024, Colleagues, friends, and family gathered at the Harvard Faculty Club to honor David Stern, Harry Starr Professor of Classical and Modern Jewish and Hebrew…
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.