HOURS

Reading Room
Mon-Thurs: 9:30am-4:30pm

Genealogy Institute
Mon: 9:30am-4:30pm
Tue-Fri: By appointment only

Free Exhibit Spaces
Sun–Thurs: 9:30am–7:30pm
Fri: 9:30am-3:30pm
Sat: Closed

Ruth's Bookstore
Sun–Thurs: 10:30am-6:30pm
Fri: 10:30am-4:00pm

Please note: The Lillian Goldman Reading Room will be closed on Tuesday, August 5th.

Make sure to check our holiday closures prior to visiting.

Last entry to the Center for Jewish History Exhibitions, Reading Room, and the Genealogy Institute is 1 hour before closing. The last call to page items in the Reading Room and Genealogy Institute is 3pm.

Scholars Working Groups at the Center for Jewish History

The Center for Jewish History’s Institute for Advanced Research also sponsors Scholars Working Groups. These groups provide a forum where scholars at all career stages can share their research and ideas and ultimately create an interdisciplinary community. Every two years in the fall, the Center welcomes proposals on a particular topic or question to be explored in the scholars working group from a variety of historical, disciplinary, and contextual perspectives. The groups are led by two conveners who decide on the group participants.

Incoming Scholars Working Groups 2025–2027

Jews and Authorities in Early Modern Europe

The emperor’s coat of arms is placed at the entrance to Frankfurt’s Jewish ghetto (Judengasse). Courtesy of Historisches Museum Frankfurt, inventory no. C12745.

Conveners:
Verena Kasper-Marienberg, North Carolina State University, Raleigh
Mirjam Thulin, Center for Jewish History, New York

Abstract
This group of scholars examines how Jewish communities interacted with non-Jewish authorities in early modern Europe, focusing particularly on formal and informal governance, communication, networking, but also associated practices of Jewish charity. Moreover, the history of Jewish political traditions, along with practices of intercession (shtadlanut), are a main focus of the group.

Magic in Jewish History and Culture

Medieval amulet to protect mother and child during childbirth. From the book Raziel ha-Malkah (Amsterdam, 1701). Courtesy of Wiki Commons.

Conveners:
Gideon Bohak, Tel Aviv University
Elly Moseson, Jewish Theological Seminary, New York

Abstract
This group of scholars examines the rich tradition of Jewish magic from ancient times to the present. It discusses the challenges of defining Jewish magic, addresses its complex historical origins, and explores how it evolved in conjunction with broader non-Jewish cultural trends.

Music, Sound, and Performance in Jewish History

The Aristocrats Quartet with Herbert Buky, Shanghai. Courtesy of Leo Baeck Institute, Herbert Buky Collection AR 5143.

Conveners:
Viola Alianov-Rautenberg, Pacific Office of the German Historical Institute, University of California, Berkeley
Abby Anderton, Baruch College and City University of New York

Abstract
Jewish history has a soundtrack. This interdisciplinary working group studies Jewish history through music, sound, and performance. It seeks to show how music sheds light on such important historical phenomena as modernization, religious innovation, ethnic identity formation, violence, and persecution, nation-building, and collective remembrance.

Technology and Jewish History

Image generated by artificial intelligence

Conveners:
Amy Bix, Iowa State University
Jason Schulman, Jewish Theological Seminary, New York

Abstract
This group of scholars explores how technological changes have affected the personal, social, and religious lives of Jewish individuals, families, and communities. The group especially addresses the tensions between continuity and changes as traditional Judaism confronted the challenges of technological “progress.” The group will also investigate how Jewish influences have inspired technological innovations and fostered new discussions about technology and society.

Scholars Working Groups 2009–2025

2023-25 Shared and Contested Spaces: American Jews and African Americans
Converners: Jessica Cooperman, Zakiya R. Adir, and Hilit Surowitz

2023-25: Jewish Reproduction
Conveners: Lea Taragin-Zeller, Benjamin Kasstan, Michal Raucher, and Cara Rock-Singer

2021-25 Yiddish Press
Conveners: Daniel Soyer, Ayelet Brinn, Ellen Kellman, and Eric L. Goldstein

2021-24 Roman Forum
Convener: Daniel Stein Kokin

2019-23 New York State Working Group on Jewish Women and Gender in Global Perspective
Conveners: Federica Francesconi and Natalia Aleksiun

2019-21 Exhibiting Jews
Conveners: Steven Fine, Helen Evans, and Jacob Wisse

During the pandemic, all Scholars Working Groups went online, and they were referred to as the “Virtual Scholars Forum.” Moreover, the groups were partly active for more than two years.

2016-18 Women and Gender
Conveners: Elissa Bemporad and Natalia Aleksiun

2012-14 Jews and the Modern Economy
Conveners: Adam Teller, Francesca Trivellato, and Derek Penslar

2010-13 New York City and the Jews
Conveners: Annie Polland and Daniel Soyer

2009-15 History of the Jewish Book (also: Footprints)
Conveners: Marjorie Lehman, Adam Shear, and Joshua Teplitsky

Contact Us

Questions about the Scholars Working Groups may be directed to the Fellowships Administrator.