Founded in 1977, the only academic program in the U.S. that formally links Jewish studies and social justice. Students engage in theoretical and practical applications of social justice and activism rooted in Jews, Judaisms and Jewish traditions. They examine Jewish culture, history, politics, philosophy and language to better understand and strengthen marginalized communities around the globe.

The program offers more than 50 Jewish studies courses for undergraduate students and lifelong learners, and a minor in Jewish studies and social justice. Hosts regular events including social justice and human rights lectures, an annual social justice Passover seder, and the annual Alvin H. Baum Jr. Memorial Lecture, which honors an  LGBTQ+ Jewish activist. Additional offerings include a summer Hebrew intensive summer language program and study-abroad courses.

The program’s ethos centers on four concepts central to Jewish community histories and identities:

• Activism
• Intersectionality
• Social Identity
• Social In/justice

Award-winning faculty include Rabbi Camille Shira Angel, Professor Aaron J. Hahn Tapper, Professor Oren Kroll-Zeldin, and Rabbi Chel Mandell.