Jewish Studies

Rebecca Lesses, Assistant Professor and Coordinator

Jewish studies approaches the history and culture of the Jewish people from a multicultural and interdisciplinary perspective. The goals of the Jewish studies minor are to foster greater knowledge about Jewish history, religion, and culture and to explore who Jews are in their geographic and cultural diversity, and how they have interacted with other peoples politically, economically, socially, ideologically, philosophically, and artistically. In order to understand Jewish history, it is necessary to investigate the economic, political, and social forces that have affected the lives of Jews in varied cultural settings for thousands of years. The study of Jewish cultures includes religious beliefs and practices, philosophy, literature, folklore, visual arts, music, and the media.

The Jewish studies minor is relevant for students going on to graduate study in any of a number of disciplines, with or without a Jewish studies focus. It is also important for students contemplating professional careers related to Jewish religion, education, or community service (e.g., as rabbis, cantors, Jewish educators, social workers, or administrators of Jewish community programs). More generally, it is a useful minor for a wide variety of students pursuing careers in which multicultural awareness is important.

The minor in Jewish studies requires 18 credit hours of work, including a basic language proficiency in Hebrew or another Jewish language (Yiddish or Judeo-Español).

Requirements for the minor in Jewish studies

Three credits in one of the following:

Three credits in one of the following:

Select 12 credits from the following courses, with at least 3 credits in at least two of the three categories:

Social science and history

Religious studies

Language, literature, and the arts

Additional requirements

1. Students in the minor must successfully complete HEBR 10100 with a grade of at least C- or demonstrate equivalent proficiency on a placement test to be administered by the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures. Students may petition the coordinator to substitute another Jewish language (Yiddish or Judeo-Español) in place of Hebrew, in which case testing for placement shall be done in conformity with testing of such proficiencies for any language by the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures.

2. No more than 6 credits from a student's major department or 3 credits from a student's second minor will count toward the Jewish studies minor.

3. No more than 3 credits of internship or independent study will count toward the Jewish studies minor.

4. At least 6 credits toward the minor must come from courses at level 3 or above.

5. At least 9 credits toward the minor must be taken at Ithaca College.