Judaic Studies Program in URI’s future?

At the University of Rhode Island, there are many faculty members who support the idea of a full-fledged Judaic Studies program. Despite this, few Judaic Studies courses are taught each semester. “We want to ensure that these important areas of study will not be lost,” said Dean Winifred Brownell, of the College of Arts and Sciences. “We have been offering courses in the field for decades.” Judaic Studies courses have been taught in several areas, including history, philosophy and language. However, there are several roadblocks in the way of creating a Judaic Studies program.

“We don’t have the funding for a full-fledged program,” Brownell said. “In the past, we’ve chosen to put aside expanding academics in favor of building the URI Hillel Center.”    While one sponsor has stepped forward, Brownell and other faculty members are still looking for more donations. Brownell and faculty have been actively holding fundraiser events, including inviting the Klezmer Conservatory Orchestra to perform.

More core-content courses need to become available at URI before there can be a Judaic Studies major. “We’re trying to build a minor first,” Brownell said. “It’s on the way, but we’ll see.” Brownell says that the administration at URI has generally been enthusiastic about the idea. URI President David Dooley showed his support by attending a meeting in Florida to talk about Judaic Studies. “I’m excited about our future,” Brownell said.

In the Spring 2014 semester, Dr. Alan Verskin is teaching a course called Jews of Islamic Lands: A History. “One of the closest relationships is between Jews and Islamic people,” said Verskin. “Why were these Jews in the Middle East? What is the history between Jews and Islam?” The course, which includes studies of Jewish philosophy, theology and poetry, will also touch upon gender issues and the diversity of Jewish people from different parts of Europe. Verskin encourages all URI students and community members to enroll or even audit the class.

Brownell and her colleagues plan to continue working towards a full-fledged Judaic Studies Program and are optimistic about the future. “I want our students to enter the world as effective global citizens that understand history, politics, and religion.” Brownell said. “Jews play such an integral part of history in many countries.”

Justin Willner (justinwillner@gmail.com) is a fifth-year journalism student at the University of Rhode Island.