Our Vision:
The Center for Jewish Studies of the University of Rochester promotes research, scholarship, and education in Judaism and Judaica. Through publication, lectures, fellowships, and intellectual collaboration, the Center aims to increase knowledge in the field of Jewish Studies, to provide enriched learning opportunities for students, to contribute to the intellectual life of the University, and to share its resources with the Rochester community.
Latest Events:
Seeing Jewish and Jewish Seeing: Toward a Visual Judaism
Ken Koltun-Fromm, Haverford College
Abstract:
The talk will focus on how Jews visualize themselves as American Jews—what is Jewish seeing, and what it means to see Jewish. To get at this form of visual Judaism in which Judaism is displayed, performed, and constructed, I will look at three different visual spectacles: the magazine covers of Lilith magazine, Arnold Eagle's photographic collection of Orthodox Jews in New York City (1935), and Abraham Joshua Heschel's depiction of the Sabbath. I want to explore the various modes of Jewish visual production, and tease out what a visual Judaism (or visual Judaisms) might look like in America.
Wednesday, October 29
7:00 p.m.
Welles-Brown Room
Rush Rhees Library
Ken Koltun-Fromm is Associate Professor of Religion at Haverford College. He is the author of two books: Moses Hess and Modern Jewish Identity (2001) and Abraham Geiger's Liberal Judaism: Personal Meaning and Religious Authority (2006). He has just completed a manuscript on American Jewish thought and culture, tentatively titled, Jewish Things: Material Jewish Identity in America. His current research focuses on American Jewish visual practices.
New Minor in Jewish Studies:
- JST 106 Introduction to Hebrew Bible (cross-listed with REL 101)
- JST 113 History of Judaism (cross-listed with REL 103)
- Four additional JST courses, including up to two courses in Hebrew language.
For additional information, contact the Department of Religion and Classics:
Department of Religion and Classics
Rush Rhees Library 430
University of Rochester
Box 270074
Rochester, NY 14627-0074
Phone: 585-275-5378
FAX: 585-442-2749
Administrative Assistant: Evalyn Hartleben 585.275.5378
Chair: Edward Wierenga 585.275.9370