Jewish Studies

Center for Interdisciplinary Study

The Louis Stein Minor in Jewish Studies program gives students the opportunity to explore and understand the history, culture, politics, ethics and religion of the Jewish people. Through interdisciplinary coursework and directed field study, students investigate the Jewish experience from both a contemporary and a historical perspective. The minor in Jewish Studies program offers classes exploring many areas, including:

The history of Jewish life across the globe
How traditional Jewish ethics intersect with the practice of medicine, law and business
The cultural contributions of Jewish people in America and the world

About the Minor

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Community Groups and Outreach

Groups

Outreach

Awards and Scholarships

Josephine and Julius Cohen Award in Jewish Studies

The Josephine and Julius Cohen Award in Jewish Studies recognizes the outstanding achievements of students in Jewish Studies courses. The award is publicly announced annually at the College of Arts and Sciences Honors Day held in the spring. The award was established by a gift from D. Walter Cohen, DDS, (1927–2018) former Jewish Studies advisory board member, chancellor emeritus of the MCP Hahnemann University and dean emeritus of the University of Pennsylvania Dental School. The award is named for Mr. Cohen’s grandparents, immigrants to the United States who demonstrated great love and respect for learning.

Henri C. Levit and Deborah Levit Prize

The Henri C. Levit and Deborah Levit Prize is awarded annually to a Jewish Studies minor for their impact on Jewish life on or off campus.

Shostak/Seng Prize in Holocaust Scholarship

The Shostak/Seng Prize in Holocaust Scholarship goes to the best essay written on the subject of the Holocaust.

To learn more, please email Henry Israeli, hpi22@drexel.edu

Latest News

Exploring Judaism and Christianity Through a New Lens

“Judaism and Christianity: Two Religions or One,” introduces students to a myriad of viewpoints from scholars of different faiths to identify common and separate philosophical ideologies between the religions. This article is reposted with permission from the Jewish Exponent.

poster for confronting antisemitism through storytelling event with Star of David and blue text

Drexel Community Confronts Antisemitism by Telling Their Stories

Pennoni Honors College Dean Paula Marantz Cohen’s hope is that Confronting Antisemitism Through Storytelling, a collaborative event April 28 among Pennoni, Drexel Hillel, Jewish Studies and the College of Arts and Sciences, will spark conversations that are so often dampened by our current society. Rather than taking the form of a panel discussion or conference, the event will focus on the deeply personal, real-life stories of those who have experienced antisemitism first-hand, whether as Jews or allies.

Alina Palimaru sits at a desk in front of a computer

History Alum Alina Palimaru ’08
Works to De-Radicalize Violent Extremists

With extremism on the rise, Drexel history alumna Alina Palimaru ’08 has turned her work to addressing it. The associate research analyst at the RAND Corporation will deliver a virtual talk on the topic on Thursday, November 18. Here she discusses the importance of studying history, her current work, truth decay and her least favorite memory of Drexel, among other things.

Faculty Members	Contact	Specialization
	Henry Israeli Teaching Professor of English; Director, Drexel Writing Festival; Director, Jewish Studies 5051B, MacAlister Hall hpi22@drexel.edu	Modern and Contemporary Poetry
	Toni Pitock, PhD Associate Teaching Professor of History 5022 MacAlister tfp47@drexel.edu	Atlantic World; Colonial American History; American Revolution and Early National Period; Migration and Diaspora; Economic Culture

Affiliated Faculty

Faculty Members	Contact	Specialization
	Isabel de Koninck Affiliated Faculty 118 N. 34th Street Philadelphia, PA 19104	Through innovative relationship-centered programming and initiatives, Drexel Hillel: Creates a welcoming community in which to gather, engage, and grow. Empowers and inspires undergraduates, graduate students, and alumni to learn, lead, and serve in order to bring about positive change in an ever-changing world. Strengthens each person’s connection to their Jewish heritage and confidence in their Judaism. Cultivates Jewish life on and off campus.
	Chaim Goldstein Affiliated Faculty 3507 Baring Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-2416	To strengthen the Jewish community by promoting Jewish pride, education and celebration. To provide for the spiritual & material needs of all Jews in the community - regardless of their background, affiliation, or financial means, and to provide insight and explanation on Judaism’s history and universal values to our friends beyond the Jewish community who would like to learn more. To establish a warm and traditional community Center where everyone is made to feel welcome and comfortable.
	Bruce Kaminsky Adjunct Instructor MacAlister Hall, Suite 2018 bk46@drexel.edu
	Ilana Margolis Adjunct Instructor Academic Building, 3rd Floor im66@drexel.edu	Hebrew-language instruction
	Rakhmiel Peltz, PhD Professor Emeritus of Sociolinguistics; Founding Director of Judaic Studies rp27@drexel.edu	Molecular and cellular biology, Yiddish Studies, Language and Society, Ethnography of Communication; Children of Immigrants; Educational Restitution after Genocide
	Marilyn Gaye Piety, PhD Professor of Philosophy 5016 MacAlister mgpiety@drexel.edu	Kierkegaard; philosophy of religion; ancient philosophy; public philosophy; flash philosophy; social justice; philosophy of sport
	Douglas V. Porpora, PhD Professor of Sociology 3201 Arch Street, 380 porporad@drexel.edu	Meaning; Morality; Politics; Religion; Social Justice.
	Abioseh Porter, PhD Director, Africana Studies; Professor of English 5016 MacAlister abiosehp@drexel.edu	Comparative Literature; Postcolonial Literatures
	Jonathan Seitz, PhD Teaching Professor of History; Assistant Department Head 5024 MacAlister jwseitz@drexel.edu	History of science, medicine, and technology; Religious history; History of witchcraft, magic, and related; Italian history
	David Seltzer Adjunct Professor of Philosophy dss97@drexel.edu	History of Philosophy
	Fred Siegel, PhD Teaching Professor of English; Director, First-Year Writing Program 5016 MacAlister Hall siegelf@drexel.edu	Popular Theater; Dramatic Literature, Creative Non-Fiction; Freshman Writing