Students explore the multicultural diversity and complexity of Jewish and Israeli culture, history, literature, religion, politics, philosophy, languages, art and cinema, and also foster critical thinking within and across disciplines. As is true with any good learning, the program facilitates learners into making the leap from knowledge to commitment and action.

An interdisciplinary minor within the history department, the program crosses two colleges and seven departments: global studies; history; religious studies; English and comparative literature; Hebrew language study; art history; and political science. Scholarships are offered annually to outstanding Jewish studies minors. A series of public lectures on topics ranging from Israeli politics to Jewish history and literature is offered annually through the program, often in collaboration with the Israeli Consulate, the Jewish Community Relations Council and the Silicon Valley chapter of Hillel.