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.
Happy Holidays!
The Center for Jewish Studies Wishes you and yours a happy holiday season and a wonderful new year.
Our offices and all other Harvard University offices will be closed for Winter Recess from Wednesday, December 24, 2025 to Friday, January 2, 2026.
We will return to our regular work schedule on Monday, January 5, 2026.
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
- Recording Available: “Words Without Borders” | Etgar Keret
The CJS is happy to present a recording of “Words Without Borders”, a talk with Etgar Keret, moderated by Romy Neumark. The event was co-sponsored by the Center for Jewish Studies and Jewish Cultures and Societies Seminar at… - Happy Holidays from the Center for Jewish Studies
The Center for Jewish Studies Wishes you and yours a happy holiday season and a wonderful new year. Our offices and all other Harvard University offices will be closed for Winter Recess from Wednesday, December 24,… - Hannah Duane awarded 2026 Marshall Scholarship
Congratulations Hannah Duane! The CJS is proud to share that Hannah Duane ’26 has been named a 2026 Marshall Scholar. The annual Marshall Prize enables a group of American college graduates to continue their studies in…
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.
